Bad energy habits could be adding a whopping £117 to your household bills each year. 

According to Uswitch.com, 96% of households admit to having at least one bad energy habit that could be costing them money. 

With a 10% increase in the energy price cap this month, learning small ways to reduce your usage could ease the financial burden this winter. 

Here are 10 bad habits for you to nip in the bid – and how much they could be costing you already. 

1. Leaving lights on – £8 a year

2. Letting the hot shower run while you’re not in it – £10 a year

3. Running the tumble dryer when it’s not full – £40 a year

4. Leaving gadgets on standby – £6 a year

5. Running the washing machine at 40C or more – £17 a year

6. Letting the hot tap run while washing up – £10 a year

7. Running the dish washer when it’s not full – £24 a year

8. Running the washing machine when it’s not full – £24 a year

9. Leaving the TV on when no one is watching – £1.61 a year

10. Using the tumble dryer on a sunny day – £29.54 a year

Want to get your clothes dry and keep warm at home without hiking up your energy bills? 

We’ve had a look at some cheap appliances that are cost-effective to run and make winter that little bit more bearable.  

The electric heater comes with two power settings for your convenience. 

Plus, the built-in overheat protection provides the added safety and peace of mind to prevent the heater from being damaged.

Available in three bedding sizes, the Cosy and Warm electric blanket has been made from cosy polyester with three different heat settings to suit your preference.

It comes complete with elasticated corner straps to secure to the corner of your mattress to prevent it from popping off, allowing you an uninterrupted night sleep.

The airer is designed to work with the X Wing Heated Airer Cover to create a warm, enclosed space that speeds up moisture evaporation, ensuring your laundry dries faster and more effectively.

This heated airer holds up to 10kg of washing and costs just 5p per hour to run. 

This cosy bedding will help you stay warm during cooler nights and is machine washable for easy care.

The draft excluder is designed to block cold air from entering your home during the winter months.

The item comes with a self-adhesive strip and can be cut to your desired length. 

The primary reasons for heat and energy loss are poor insulation and draughts. 

Research by E.ON showed that heating and hot water account for more than half of Brits’ energy bills so minimising any loss could help you make big savings.

While you may need to save up for some fixes, others are cheap to complete and can make a big difference to your monthly and annual outgoings. 

• Water tanks, pipes and radiators

Insulating water tanks, pipes and radiators can help to keep your home warm and save you up to £175 a year. Simple measures such as fitting a hot water jacket on your cylinder could save you £35 a year alone.

• Windows and doors

Windows, doors and conservatories can account for up to 10% of energy and heat loss. While installing double or triple glazing is advised if your home doesn’t already have it, simply adding heavy curtains can also reduce energy loss and save you £120 a year in costs. 

• Draughts

Reducing draughts is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reduce heat loss. Draught proofing around windows and doors could save you £35 a year and help reduce the need to switch on your heating. 

• Flooring

Experts have said the 15% of lost heat could be disappearing under your feet. Insulating your ground floor is a good way to limit heat loss and it could save you up to £110 a year. 

• Roof 

Your roof is a hotspot for heat loss, with around 25% disappearing upwards. According to the Energy Saving Trust, loft insulation with pay for itself many times over in its 40-year lifetime and could save you up to £340 annually. 

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