How to slash fuel bills

It's estimated that energy-saving measures could save the average household £400 a year

Heating and fuel bills rocket in the coldest months, as thermostats are turned up and millions of poorly insulated and ill-equipped houses leak energy.

Recent increases in gas and electricity prices mean that many people are about to receive their largest ever bills.

British Gas has put up prices by around 30 per cent since 2004, and Powergen by an average of 10 per cent in 2005.

However, the Energy Saving Trust estimates that the average household could save £400 a year by taking practical steps to limit the cost of the energy that a home requires.

From putting in loft insulation to fitting a jacket to your hot-water tank, here are the main cost-saving measures you can take:

Boilers

If your boiler is more than 15 years old, it may be very inefficient and on the verge of breaking down.

It's been estimated that installing a modern condensing boiler (which utilises the heat ordinarily lost during the heating process) could save you up to 40 per cent on heating bills.

Wall insulation

Up to a third of heat is lost through a home's walls if it doesn't have cavity wall insulation. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that the average gas centrally-heated, three-bedroomed home would save £153 a year in heating costs from having insulation.

Loft insulation

Another 10 per cent of heat is lost through the roof. Having loft insulation would save the average three-bedroomed house £95 a year.

Hot-water tank

Give your hot-water tank a jacket! A three-inch-thick cover saves between £10 and £15 a year.

Double-glazing

Double-glazing cuts heat loss through windows by 50 per cent and can reduce bills by up to £40 annually.

Refrigeration

Of all the white goods you will find in most houses, fridges are the most energy greedy. You could save £35 a year by getting an Energy Efficiency Recommended freezer, and another £20 with an efficient refrigerator.

Light bulbs

Use energy-efficient light bulbs. These last around 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and for each bulb fitted you could save up to £7 a year (according to the National Energy Foundation). On a home with 15 bulbs, that's £105 a year.

Floorboards

Filling gaps in floorboards with mastic sealant or similar cuts heating bills by £10 to £15 a year.

Thermostat

Is your house too warm? It's been estimated that turning your thermostat down by just one degree celsius would cut heating bill costs by 10 per cent (or £40 for the average household each year).

Financial assistance

It doesn't have to be hugely expensive to make your home energy efficient. Grants and discounts are also available from local authorities for those who install energy-efficient measures.