We're all looking for ways to save these days, especially when it comes t utilities. Gas and electricity price hikes are the things making UK consumers feel the pinch most. Thankfully there are things all of us can do to reduce our gas bills, and what's more they won't cost you a penny to implement.



Learn how to control your thermostat properly. By lowering your thermostat by just one degree you'll be saving money, and setting it to automatically lower or switch off when everybody goes to bed will save you even more. And when it turns wintry and you do go to bed, try throwing on an extra blanket or duvet rather than keeping the heating on all night.

Lower the temperature of your hot water by a few degrees. While most people have theirs set to 120 degrees, try reducing yours to 105 degrees and see the difference it makes to your bills.

Try changing your usual washing machine setting. You can now buy washing powder that works at low temperatures, so if your washing machine allows this, you can urn your washing temperature down to a cooler, and cheaper, 30 degrees.

Check your windows and door edges for drafts. If any cold air is getting in then ht air is getting out. Replace any mouldings that need replacing, and try using a simple but effective draft-excluder under your doors.

Try and keep heat from travelling into unused areas of your house. Keep your flue closed when your fire is off, and remember to turn radiators off, or down low, in unused rooms. You should also remember to keep doors closed to prevent heat that you've paid for from escaping to where you don't need it.

If you need to let the windows open in winter for a bit of fresh air, you are better leaving your window open just a little for a longer period of time than you are opening it wide for a short burst of time, as less heat escapes this way.