BRITS are feeling the bite of the cost of living crisis coupled with the energy price hike.
But there are some handy hacks to take note of to shrink your bills while keeping your home toasty.
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The nation is crying out for low-cost tips and tricks to winter-proof their properties rather than putting the heating on.
Instead of layering up with another jumper, these cheap techniques can help keep you warm and save cash.
According to financial broker Norton Finance, grabbing these six items for under a tenner could save you hundreds in the long run.
Director Paul Stringer explained Google searches for “keep house warm” hit their highest-ever level last month.
So what is in their bag of half a dozen tricks to save money during the cold months?
To ensure you get the most out of cranking up the radiators, make sure any cracks or gaps in your walls are sealed up.
It will stop the pricey heat from escaping through little nooks and crannies – as well as blocking the cold air from coming in.
Use expanding foam to close up any openings around external pipes that may let the warmth slip out.
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Silicone sealant is an effective alternative for smaller gaps like those found around wiring – and it only costs a little over £5.
This next hack will revamp the vibe of each room in your house as well as bolstering your bank balance.
Why not install some budget dimmer switches to save up to 20 per cent on your lighting bills – depending on the bulbs and how you use the switch.
Norton Finance say you can fit them yourself for under £5, or ask an electrician if the DIY is too daunting.
The money experts claim using dimmer switches can save £35.92 on energy bills each year in the average home.
Although we all enjoy a long hot shower, they, unfortunately, have a huge impact on Brits outgoings each month.
But by switching to a water-saving shower head, you could save £76.91 each year.
They are widely available for just under a tenner and restrict the water flow to help you stop using excessive amounts.
Money saving experts say a family of four typically forks out £256.36 every twelve months on showers.
But by swapping its head, you could use up to 30 per cent less water per shower – while hopefully reducing the time each family member spends having a good scrub.
Another tip for banishing the winter chill and big bills is to try out some draught excluders around your home.
You can use the low-cost item on both windows and doors to stop any cold air from infiltrating your warm pad.
Norton Finance claims they can save you up to £60 annually as they create a barrier between the heat and the outside world.
The experts said: “Installing draught excluders, also known as weather strips, to plug these gaps can make a real difference.
“To see if you could benefit from this, shut each door or window on a sheet of paper.
“If you can pull the paper out without it tearing, then you are losing heat and your home would benefit from draught excluders.”
If you’ve sealed up any cracks and armed your home with draught excluders, you can enjoy a cosy temperature.
For another simple and inexpensive switch, Brits could switch to energy-saving lightbulbs.
The country’s obsession with a well-lit home sees illuminations make up a tenth of the average UK household’s electricity usage, according to Norton Finance.
They said the average UK home has 67 lightbulbs, so you could save as much as £525 per year if you change all your bulbs from the least to most efficient style.
Depending on the type of bulb that you are switching from, the Energy Savings Trust says that you could save up to £15 per bulb per year.
And you don’t have to splash out oodles of cash either, as they cost less than £10 depending on the wattage and brand.
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