Grand Designs' Kevin McCloud cold weather warning as he urges homeowners to act fast

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has shared some simple tips to help homeowners save money on their energy bills - but you'll need to act fast

Grand Designs guru Kevin McCloud has dished out his wisdom on how to keep your home snug and your bills low as the chill sets in. With an eye for budget-friendly solutions, he's urging homeowners to take action now to reap the benefits of a cosy, cost-effective winter.

Ahead of Grand Designs Live, Kevin shared: "This is the time to act. My cost-effective tips will help make your home energy efficient and comfortable and it's a good idea to do them before winter takes hold."

"By making simple changes such as sealing draughts and adding insulation, your home will be ready for the colder months and beyond. You'll be one step ahead before the winter hits."

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Kevin's top tip is to tackle those pesky draughts: "A draughty house is a leaky house," he says. "Use draught excluders or off-the-shelf insulating strips to seal gaps around doors and windows. This simple project makes a big difference in terms of comfort and improved energy efficiency."

And don't overlook the power of a door curtain to fend off the cold. If you're battling with a front door that lets in more than just your guests or a letterbox that doubles as a wind instrument, Kevin suggests hanging an insulated curtain to keep those unwelcome breezes at bay, reports the Express.

Opt for a rail that's simple to slide back and forth, as wrestling with sticky plastic fittings can be frustrating. Ensure the rail is hung high above the door opening, but check that the curtain is long enough to touch the floor.

Even a relatively thin fabric can make a significant difference.

Another quick fix is swapping any outdated lightbulbs in your home with modern LED alternatives. "Switching any old, filament lightbulbs with energy-saving light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is a quick win," says Kevin.

"LEDs use far less energy than incandescent bulbs so the impact on your electricity bill is immediate, and LEDs are kinder to the planet."

A slightly more complex task that can greatly reduce your heating bill is installing a programmable thermostat. Upgrading an old thermostat to a smart one allows precise control over your heating system, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

Kevin shared these tips ahead of Grand Designs Live at NEC Birmingham, the UK's leading home and design exhibition, which runs from 2-6 October.