Seven simple hacks for British Gas, EDF, EON, OVO, and Octopus Energy customers to save £600

British Gas, EDF, E.ON, OVO, and Octopus Energy customers could save up to £600 if they follow simple hacks. Energy bills jumped at the start of October which means many households are facing higher charges this winter.

According to the experts at St. Modwen Homes, 50 per cent of people across Britain are planning to ration their energy use this winter. But there are affordable ways to winter-proof your home - and potentially save £600 this Christmas.

If you live in a new build property, you could save even more. Experts say there could be savings of up to £2,579 annually.

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It comes as the UK could be on track to see one of its coldest and wettest winters. Alison Maclean, head of marketing at St. Modwen Homes, said: "This winter is shaping up to be harsher than usual - and small, affordable changes made now can save you hundreds down the line.

"Our goal is to help people protect both their homes and their wallets by making sure they’re ready for whatever this winter throws at them. Preparing in advance doesn’t just keep you warm - it shields you from the financial impact of soaring energy rates and costly repairs.

"Those living in new-build homes will achieve double the benefit – as new-build houses are up to 74 per cent more energy-efficient than older alternatives. That’s an average household saving of up to £2,579 per year – talk about Christmas coming early."

Get rid of draughts

Draughty windows can drain heat and your money, costing the average household £35 per year. You should inspect for gaps and cracks around your windows.

Then, reseal them with weather stripping or caulk. The simple task should improve insulation within your home and also its energy-efficiency.

St. Modwen Homes said: "T o boost your savings even further, you can update your interior choices too - installing thermal curtains will help to retain more heat, and using draught protectors near doorways will keep the warmth in."

Inspect your roof

Wind and heavy downpours can be tough on your roof so it's important that you check for damage or missing tiles. According to St. Modwen Homes, repairing a damaged roof can cost up to £100 per square metre.

The experts said: "As the seasons change, inspect your roof for signs of wear and tear, and replace any tiles that are cracked or displaced. Additionally, whilst you’re inspecting your roof, you should check your guttering is free of leaves and debris too.

"Blocked guttering can cause expensive damage to your exterior walls from excess water damage, as well as dampness coming through your walls – costing a whopping average of £180 for the gutter repair alone."

Clean your chimney

You should have your chimney cleaned and examined during the winter season. St. Modwen Homes said: "Clearing out creosote and soot build-up to ensure there are no blockages will help prevent chimney fires and can ensure proper ventilation."

Brumwish 2024 - buy a gift for a child in need

BrumWish 2024 is Birmingham Live's festive drive to get thousands of gifts to children and young people across our city - among them the homeless, the vulnerable, kids in care, kids who are poorly or struggling, and kids who have little.

There are THREE simple ways to help.

1. Buy a new gift from the Brumwish 2024 Amazon giftlist. In just a click your donation will be whizzing its way to our volunteers at Edgbaston Stadium.
2. Donate money to the appeal fund hosted by Thrive Together Birmingham - this will help pay for gifts for kids with specialist needs or specific wishes.
3. Buy a gift and, even better, rope in friends, neighbours and workmates to do the same, then drop off your pressies at Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Road, B5 7QU on Friday 6th December, 10am - 3pm; Saturday 7th December, 10am - 1pm; or Monday 9th December, 10am - 1pm. Volunteers will be there to help you. Please don't wrap your gifts. You can also drop off by arrangement until Monday 16th December - contact Louise on 07469 979286.

Thanks to our partnership with #Toys4Birmingham, every single gift will find a good home in the loving care of a child living in B&Bs or hotels, hostels or refuges, children receiving support from specialist organisations and charities, and families being supported by children's centres and charities around the city.

Making up the Brumwish and Toys4Birmingham gang are Thrive Together Birmingham, Birmingham Playcare Network, Warwickshire Cricket Foundation (the charitable arm of Warwickshire County Cricket Club), Birmingham Forward Steps and BirminghamLive/Birmingham Mail.

Thank you to Amazon UK and the amazing team at the Sutton Coldfield depot for their support.

Check our your pipes

Frozen pipes can burst and lead to costly repairs, often setting you back up to £600. You should insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as basements and attics, using foam insulation or pipe sleeves.

This extra layer of protection will keep your plumbing safe from freezing temperatures all winter long, St. Modwen Homes said.

Boiler maintenance

Have your heating system inspected by a professional as we approach the winter period. Regular maintenance helps make sure your boiler is working at its best.

Regularly maintaining your boiler can lead to increased efficiency, and in turn lower bills and a 10 to 15 year longer lifespan.

Stock up on supplies

St. Modwen Homes said: "Prepare for winter weather by stocking up on essential supplies. Keep items like snow shovels, power banks, and blankets handy in case of heavy snowfall or power outages.

"Although it may seem excessive, having an emergency kit with food, water, and flashlights is also a smart move – better to be safe than sorry."

Review your policies

It's a good idea to review your home insurance policy to make sure you have adequate coverage for winter-related damages, such as snow or ice damage to your roof and pipes. St. Modwen Homes said: "P eace of mind during winter is invaluable, especially around Christmas when all you want to do is celebrate and spend time with loved ones - not be hit with an unexpected bill for your property repairs."