Forget smart meters and use £10 home hack that helps you save on energy bills

As Britain braces itself for cooler weather and a higher energy bills, experts have shared a cheap way to cut down on costs - and it's not by using a smart meter.

Ofgem's new price cap, which takes effect from 1 October, will push the average dual-fuel bill from £1,720 to around £1,755 a year. While a relatively modest increase, it will likely be felt by many UK households who are scrabbling to cut costs.

Of course, smart meters are a commonly recommended way help you track energy usage. However, there are other steps you can take to bring down bills. Energy experts at Your NRG reveal that there are budget-friendly home upgrades you can make for around £10 or less that can have a more immediate impact on your bills.

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With the colder weather setting in and families bracing themselves for the extra heating costs, there’s no better time to start making improvements than now.

An NRG expert said: "Small, inexpensive improvements can make a surprising difference to your home’s energy efficiency. By acting now, you spread the cost over time and start benefiting straight away."

One of their top recommendations is self-adhesive draught strips. They explained: "They can be fitted to windows and door frames in minutes and help stop warm air escaping. A single roll can cost less than £10 and is enough to seal several openings."

Radiator reflectors are another effective upgrade. “Fitting reflective panels behind radiators on external walls bounces heat back into the room rather than letting it escape. They are affordable, easy to install and improve heating performance immediately.”

For homes with wooden or tiled floors, they suggest low-cost rugs or floor mats. “Even a thin rug adds an insulating layer that reduces heat loss through the floor, particularly in rooms above unheated spaces like garages," they said.

Door draught stoppers also feature on the list. They advised: “A simple fabric draught stopper placed along the bottom of a door can keep cooler air out and reduce the need to turn the heating on early.”

Sealant for small gaps is another budget-friendly option. “For a few pounds you can fill gaps around skirting boards, pipework or window frames. This helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduces draughts.”

The experts say that while each change is minor, the combined effect can be significant. They said: “Making these upgrades in September means your home is more efficient before the heating season begins, which helps keep bills lower and comfort levels higher.”