Millions are feeling the pinch this winter as energy bills soar following a 2% hike in Ofgem's price cap, which kicked in on October 1. However, EDF Energy has suggested various ways to cut costs, including one method that could save an average of £60 annually.
In an online guide titled 'simple investments to help save money', EDF Energy advises: "Block gaps where heat escapes and cold air gets in; you'll prevent heat loss and keep your home warm. There are a number of places where you can prevent draughts. Draught-proofing your chimney alone could save you around £60 a year."
EDF Energy isn't the only firm championing this idea. Octopus Energy also suggests creating your own draught excluders to effectively reduce heat loss and save a significant amount of money.
Octopus Energy's online advice adds: "A continuous draught can quickly undo all the good work of your heating - essentially wasting energy. Identifying and plugging up draughts around doors, windows and other gaps can help trap warmth in and make your gas spend go further", reports the Mirror.
"...Professional draught-proofing can cost a few hundred pounds. You can also find draughts yourself using the back of your hand, or with a thermal camera and make your own excluders for free using old fabric scraps. Average saving: £80 per year."
Thermal cameras prove particularly useful for spotting heat loss in properties as they measure surface temperatures. The warmest areas appear in red whilst the coldest show up in blue.
Sealing typical heat loss points including windows, doors and skirtings can help keep your property warmer for longer, reducing the requirement for extra heating.
Those keen to use a thermal camera will find many local councils provide them free of charge, whilst the London Library of Things hires them out for only £15 daily, according to Which?. Numerous Octopus Energy customers can also get hold of these cameras, though the scheme is currently on hold until 2026.
According to the Mirror, additional guidance from Octopus Energy has stated: "We genuinely want to help our customers be more energy efficient. It's simply the right thing to do, not only because it keeps your bills low, but because it's better for the environment as well.
"We've sent our cameras out to nearly 5,000 customers over the last few years, and we're absolutely honoured that so many customers have told us that the camera loan has helped them practically identify how to save heat in their home.
"Right now, saving gas is more important than ever, with millions of UK households left struggling to pay record-high energy bills. For Winter 2025, we've prioritised camera loans for those who need it most."
For those with a bit of wiggle room in their budget, a professional thermal survey is an option, costing around £300 for smaller homes and up to £750 for larger ones. Which? recommends using its Home Energy Planning Service to find the best options tailored to each individual's needs.
Additional energy-saving tips can be found on both EDF Energy and Octopus Energy's websites.