British Gas, Octopus, Eon, EDF and OVO customers can get £330 Christmas bonus

People who will be leaving their home for periods over Christmas to visit loved ones are being told they could save up to £330 by cutting out energy mistakes. Many people forget to take simple measures to cut their energy usage when going away.

But these could add up to deliver big savings - as much as £330 according to experts. Crucial steps include checking the thermostat to make sure the heating isn't set to a timer and won't come on automatically when you don't want it to.

Leaving appliances on standby is another common mistake and can be a big drainer of energy. Other tips include using energy-efficient security systems and switching to low-energy bulbs.

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It could also be worth emptying and turning off your freezer if you're going to be away for a while to save on power. David Johnson, technical and category manager at the Underfloor Heating Store, said: "It’s always worth triple checking the settings on your thermostat before you leave the house for a holiday.

"Setting up your thermostat incorrectly could mean you’ve still got your central heating system on a timer without even realising it. For holidays over the winter period, you’ll want to schedule your heating to come on occasionally to stop your pipes from freezing. I would recommend checking yourself, having someone else double-check the thermostat, and, if you’re still unsure, turn each radiator off individually. Doing so could save you up to £130 on your energy bill.

“It might seem easier to leave your TV or coffee machine plugged in for easy access when you get home, but appliances like these still use energy, even on stand-by mode. You can save around £103 on your energy bills by completely unplugging these.

He went on: “Security systems with plug-in elements, like cameras, contribute to energy consumption and higher bills whilst you’re away. If you’re considering investing in security and want to save on bills simultaneously, I’d recommend choosing either re-chargeable or battery-powered options. Just make sure you select strong batteries or long-lasting charge products to ensure they don’t fail whilst you’re enjoying your Christmas festivities."