KEEPING energy costs low is a top priority this winter.
And with some smart swaps, you can take a little bit off your monthly bill.
Here’s some bright ideas to start you off . . .
ON THE BOIL: According to the Energy Saving Trust, you can save £11 a year by simply not overfilling your kettle.
If you’re only making one cup of tea at a time, a hot water dispenser could be a good swap as you can set it to only boil the exact amount of cups needed.
The Breville VKJ142 HotCup Water Dispenser is an affordable option, £36, Argos — and you will earn Nectar points when you buy.
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The Trust also suggests turning down your washing machine from 40C to 30C can save around £13 a year.
HOME AND DRY: Swap your energy-hungry tumble dryer for a heated clothes airer.
This simple change not only reduces drying time, but heated airers can usually hold more clothing than a tumble dryer drum, which is great for large families.
One of the best budget options is at Dunelm, £40.
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COOK CLEVER: An air fryer can speed up cooking times, which contributes to energy savings.
Another option is a pressure cooker.
Here the heat can’t escape so instead of cooking a stock for hours, get the same intense flavour in half the time.
Take advantage of some Black Friday deals on air fryers, such as the Daewoo 2L single pot air fryer, was £59.99, now £19.99 at Robert Dyas.
TURN IT DOWN: Upgrade your thermostat to a smart one for enhanced control and energy efficiency.
These smart thermostats are able to learn your heating habits and optimise temperature settings to reduce bills.
The Hive Mini Heating Starter Kit is reduced from £119 to £109 at Currys.
You will usually need professional installation which according to checkatrade.com can cost up to £80.
But you can make long-term savings.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
ADD some chic bedroom style with the Freya bed frame, usually £499, now £249 at Dreams.
SAVE: £250
Cheap treat
SECRET Santa or teacher gift alert – this gingerbread man mug is £2 at Poundland.
What’s new?

BUY six bottles of Morrisons red, white or fizz (including champagne and Prosecco) and get 25 per cent off until the end of today.
The Best Prosecco DOC, is normally £7 per bottle, but get six for £31.50 instead of £42.
Top swap
KEEP drinks cold in a Stanley cup, £44.99, John Lewis, or get the similar Uezeth cup for £12.99, at Amazon.co.uk.
SAVE: £32
Leah’s little helper

DO you head off to work early in the morning?
Save time by using Bristows Sweet Dreams Overnight Dry Shampoo, the night before.
It’s a budget-busting £1.49 at Savers.
Shop & save
FILL lunchboxes with a bag of mini Peperami, usually £2.75, now £2.25 at Iceland.
SAVE: 50p
Hot right now
CHECK out the range of clearance and ex-display sofas at Sofology.co.uk – save up to £1,000 off selected styles.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk