The festive winter season can be an expensive time of year. Your energy bill can quickly shoot skyward as you find yourself preparing for the big day. To help you save, we have compiled our top 10 energy saving tips to cut your consumption - and potentially your bills - this winter.

No 1: Hygge your home

Scandinavian/Norwegian decor is in this winter and this means; big cushions, cosy throws and big knits and minimalist furniture. Hygge (pronounced Hue-gah) is the Danish word for simply enjoying life’s little pleasures. Embrace this new winter trend and wrap up instead of turning up the thermostat.

No 2: Invest in a festive draft excluder

If you can see daylight under your door, then you’re probably losing heat through it. Invest in a draft excluder (we suggest a festive novelty one to add some christmas charm to your door). According to the Energy Trust, you could save up to £55 a year, by draught proofing your home. Don’t forget about the letter box and windows too!

No 3: Change to LED lights to light up your Christmas tree

By replacing the conventional lights on a tree to an LED alternative (especially Energy Star rated products) you can use up to 75 per cent less energy and last longer than incandescent light bulbs.

No 4: Turn your heating on only when you need it

The myth is ‘Leaving your heating on low all day will save you money and energy’ - but sadly, sometimes (depending on your lifestyle) this might not be the case. To keep costs low and your home warm, you should consider only to turn on your heating as and when you need it.

No 5: Wash up with a bowl of hot water instead of running the tap

You can save £££’s each year just by using your kitchen appliances carefully, such as; using a bowl instead of a tap running (save up to £30 per year), and by filling the kettle with the amount of water you need (save up to £7 per year).

No 6: Get thick thermal curtains

Thick curtains help keep the heat in, and the drafts out. Invest in a pair of thermal curtains.

No 7: Utilise your smart meter

With a smart meter display, you can see the direct impact your habits and lifestyle have on your bill. This is particularly useful to prepayment meter customers, who can better track how their usage impacts their available credit. By making your energy usage easier to understand, you can make smarter decisions to save energy and money.

No 8:  Energy saving vegetables!

Use the kettle to boil your water instead of heating it up in the pan (it uses less energy) and use the leftover vegetable water to make the gravy (not only does it add extra flavour but it stops you having to boil the kettle again).

No 9: When cooking turn the heating down

Cool things down in the kitchen by turning the thermostat down by a couple of degrees. You will create enough heat from your oven when cooking to keeping your kitchen warm.

No 10: Get to know your heating controls

Probably the biggest saver out there, is knowing how to utilise your heating controls. Remember to make use of the programmer and the thermostat so that the heating comes on as and when you need it.

Have we missed any?

Do you have any great energy saving tips to keep costs down this winter? Share them below in the comments!

Did you know that being part of a community heating scheme can also help reduce energy bills? Find out more. Get your free eGuide now: The benefits of community heating: a guide for residents