WHAT WOULD GRANNY DO?

usage. Martin Lancaster, another reader, said: “Use your curtains wisely depending on the weather. If it’s a sunny day and your rooms are being warmed by the sunlight keep your curtains open. As soon as the sun goes in or sets, draw the curtains to retain heat generated earlier and protect from drafts and heat loss.”

Tackling draughts around windows and doors could save the average semi-detached household £30 a year, according to the Energy Savings Trust.

CUT DOWN ON THE OVEN

The average British household uses their oven for three hours each week, according to comparison site Uswitch. But they are energy intensive to run, costing almost twice as much to run as

‘As soon as the sun goes in or sets, draw the curtains to retain the heat generated earlier’

a microwave. One reader has taken a leaf out of her grandmother’s book to reduce how often she uses her oven.

Fiona Richards said: “My grandmother used to toast crumpets on her electric bar heater, so we have taken the spirit of this with our wood burning fire. We cook jacket potatoes in foil, they are delicious and there’s no need to put the oven on for an hour, followed by toasted marshmallows on skewers. It’s like having a camping trip in the lounge.”

If you are struggling to pay your gas and electricity bills and face a winter with no heating, contact your supplier to discuss a payment plan – they are required to help you find a solution. You can also speak with Citizens Advice for help understanding any energy grants you might be entitled to.