Five ways British Gas, EDF, EON, OVO, and Octopus Energy customers can save £550

There are a number of things you can do at home which could cut costs

British Gas, EDF, E.ON, OVO, and Octopus Energy customers could save more than £550 on their winter bills by doing five things. Energy bills for UK households have increased by 10 per cent as of the start of October.

Many people are now looking for ways to cut their bills while still keeping their homes warm. "Help towards my energy bills" has also become one of the most searched for terms on the Internet.

Experts have said there are a number of things you can do - and it could save you hundreds. One simple hack can reduce your energy bills by 20 per cent - bleeding your radiators.

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The tip can save you almost £350 a year. Alison Maclean, head of marketing at St. Modwen Homes, said: "Over time air bubbles can accumulate within radiators, meaning that they do not heat up as effectively as they should.

"By bleeding these radiators you can remove the excess air and improve the efficiency of radiators across your home to improve your home heating without having to turn up the thermostat." It is also important to switch off any appliances that are on standby.

This can save about £40 a year, The Sun reports. Ms Maclean said: "Whether it’s unused lamps or kitchen appliances like toasters and kettles, switching off appliances at the wall, rather than leaving them on standby, helps reduce energy outputs."

If you struggle to remember to do it daily, a smart plug or timer can help. You could even set a reminder on your phone.

You could save money by not heating every room in your house. Ms Maclean said: "For example, you may have a spare bedroom that is untouched for most of the week, or perhaps a bathroom that only gets use when guests come over."

Turning radiators off in the most unused rooms of the house can cut 4.5 per cent from your energy bill, meaning an extra £50 off. She added: "A one-off payment for an electric blanket will mean you’re warm at night and can cost as little as 3p an hour to use, in comparison to a whopping 22p per hour for standard energy supplies."

So, using an electric blanket instead of turning the heating on could save you £136.80.