Four energy price cap rise tips to make sure you keep your bills down

The change to Ofgem's energy price cap rising means that from Tuesday you're going to be paying more for your gas and electricity - an average increase of 10% per household or £149 per year

While it's common knowledge that energy bills are set to increase from October 1, this doesn't make the situation any easier for households already finding it tough to make ends meet. The adjustment to Ofgem's energy price cap means that from Tuesday, you'll be shelling out more for your gas and electricity - an average hike of 10% per household or £149 annually.

However, there are measures you can take to ensure you're not paying over the odds. Consumer champion Which? has provided a series of steps people can adopt to cushion the impact of higher bills.

You can calculate how much your bill will rise from January using our energy bills calculator.

Here's the advice:

Bills / deals

As an initial step, the consumer champion suggests scrutinising energy bills to identify potential savings.

While switching provider or tariff may not result in substantial savings, consider opting for paperless bills and paying via direct debit if you haven't done so already. You could save over £50 annually by switching to one of the cheapest deals available (based on a typical household) compared with the price cap, reports the Manchester Evening News.

If you're considering fixing an energy deal, look for one that costs less than the October price cap. A few companies offer tariffs which track a set amount below the price cap.

Avoid committing for too long, in case energy prices fluctuate, and beware of high exit fees. We've noticed some tariffs with these early exit penalties set as high as £125 per fuel.

Insulation

Small improvements to a property's insulation may be possible, and these can accumulate into significant savings. Insulating exposed hot water pipes can cost as little as £15, leading to more money saved on energy bills.

Draught proofing is another simple way to make energy bills more cost-effective. Consumers can save money by draught-proofing areas in their house such as sash windows, loft hatches, wall cracks, and skirting boards.

Consider buying a draught excluder or create one yourself using a large piece of fabric filled with old clothes or rice.

Appliances

Using appliances efficiently is also an effective way to save money, as many appliances, including washer dryers and condenser tumble dryers, are expensive to operate. According to Which?'s tests, doing laundry at 30 degrees instead of 40 makes it 38 per cent cheaper.

Stacking dishwashers efficiently so that every item is thoroughly cleaned - and only running the machine when it is full - will also help reduce your bills.

If you own a condenser tumble dryer, it will be particularly costly to run. While heat pump tumble dryers cost an average of £50 a year to run, owners of condenser tumble dryers pay considerably more.

From October, the average annual running costs will be £127. The most expensive condenser model will cost £171 a year to run.

Heating

Heating water is another cost that can contribute to escalating energy bills. If your home has a hot water tank, you could save money by using heating controls to only heat the amount of water you need.

For those with a combi boiler that heats water instantly, consider lowering your water temperature if you typically mix it with cold water, and try not to let hot water run for extended periods while washing dishes or showering. When it comes to warming your home, heating controls allow users to schedule their heating and hot water to suit their needs, heat only necessary areas of their home, set varying temperatures for different parts of their home, and maintain a comfortable temperature without wasting heat.

If you haven't already, consider installing a room thermostat, programmer or thermostatic radiator valves (and use them effectively). According to the Energy Saving Trust, this could save an average household over £100 on energy bills annually.

Which? has revealed that a study by the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) suggests you could save 6-8% on your gas bills by reducing the flow of your combi boiler's radiator. Some are set as high as 80oC, but depending on your central heating system, you might find your radiators heat up comfortably with a flow temperature of 60oC or less.

You can adjust this yourself following your boiler's manufacturer instructions, or ask your boiler engineer to show you during a service. Which?

also recommends getting your boiler serviced annually and ensuring it's running as efficiently as possible, so you're prepared for when temperatures fall.

It doesn't advise replacing a boiler until it's at the end of its life. If your boiler is old and faulty, a new model will likely be cheaper to run.

However, purchasing a new boiler can cost around £3,700 according to the Energy Saving Trust, including installation and new radiator valves, so you need to consider this against any potential savings. We don't recommend replacing a boiler until it is at the end of its life.

Newer white goods tend to be more energy-efficient than older models. At the end of life for your appliances, opting for energy-efficient replacements could mean substantial savings.

Replacing power-hungry devices with more sustainable options could save you hundreds of pounds annually in running costs, potentially offsetting higher upfront costs. Which?

performs tests to determine the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly products for consumers.

Speaking about consumer concerns on energy prices, Emily Seymour, Which?

energy editor, commented: "Many households will understandably be worried that the energy price cap is rising tomorrow - a time of year when we all start to use more energy."

She added advice for immediate energy-saving measures: "There are simple steps you can take right now that won't cost a penny but could help you to cancel out the cost of the increase in the price cap."

For those looking to make their homes more energy-efficient, she endorsed using Which?'s free services: "Anyone looking to upgrade their home with improvements that could reduce their energy bills should use the free Which? home energy planning service to get a free personalised plan."

The Which? home energy planning service offers tailored guidance, providing detailed advice, cost estimates, and potential savings for various home improvements such as draught proofing, heating control, boiler replacement, and also assists with information on available grants.