Energy experts share 2 'top tips to keep home warm without turning on heating'

As temperatures are likely to drop in the coming weeks with autumn now underway, many of us are weighing up when it is acceptable to put on the heating. While many will be likely putting this off for as long as possible, there are some simple things you can do to keep your home warm and avoid spending more on energy bills.

Energy experts have shared their top tips to keep warm without turning up the heating and how you can also avoid potential price cap increases. The hacks are all designed to be cost effective, while also being relatively simple to do. The first is using an electric blanket or electric heater to stay toasty.

The advice is from Matthew Knight, product testing manager at consumer and product experts Which?.

Speaking in a video shared by Which? on social media, Mr Knight said: "Typically, keeping your central heating on will cost between £1.50 and £2.50 an hour whereas an electric heater costs about 50p an hour."

He added: "An electric blanket, even if it's on the top whack, costs about 5p or 6p an hour."

Another piece of advice shared by one of Which?'s experts was draught proofing.

Energy and sustainability editor Emily Seymour encouraged people to cover up any cracks in their home where wind can come through.

She suggested areas to look include window and door frames, adding that doing this can also make homes feel "cosier straight away".

The final top tip came from Which? Senior Energy Researcher James Aitchison.

He said: "If you are on a variable tariff, you should consider switching to a fixed tariff.

"Being on a fixed tariff means that you'll be charged a set amount for your gas and electricity units which means you'll be protected from any price cap increases that may occur over the winter months."

From April 1, the average UK monthly dual fuel (gas and electricity) energy bill in the UK for a household of 2-3 people was approximately £155, according to EDF Energy.