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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Sophie Buchan

Five money-saving hacks under £10 that could slash your energy bill amid soaring costs

With energy prices soaring for many over the last year, people are understandably worried about their bills at the end of each month.

Because of this, people are taking to social media and Google for the latest tips and tricks when it comes to heating their homes - as well as themselves.

In a bid to help, Paul Stringer, Director at independent financial broker Norton Finance, has recommended six items under a tenner that can help households save money in the long run.

READ MORE: Big Brother looking for Glaswegians to apply as show to return to TV screens

So what are the these five sub-£10 hacks? Here is what they have suggested people try to slash their bills.

Five money-saving hacks under £10 to slash your energy bill

According to Norton Finance, Google searches for ‘keep house warm’ hit their highest ever level last month. And with it being winter, people will be keen to keep their house warm for as long as possible whilst also not increasing their bills by a significant amount.

This is what the experts recommend you can do to slash your bills...

1. Seal cracks in walls

If you have any cracks or gaps in your walls, fill them as soon as possible.

The experts explain: "Expanding foam to fill in gaps around external pipes can help avoid cold air getting into your house, and more importantly, stop the escape of that costly heat you’ve already paid for."

Silicone sealant is an effective alternative for smaller gaps like those found around wiring.

We came across one in B&Q for just over £5 called 'No Nonsense Mould resistant White Sanitary sealant, 310ml'.

You can purchase it from their website.

2. Dimmer switches

Installing dimmer switches can save 20 per cent on lighting bills, depending on the bulbs and how you use the switch.

You can fit them yourself for under £5, or ask an electrician. The experts say that using dimmer switches throughout the average home could save £35.92 on electricity bills each year.

Many places sell dimmer switches although prices vary. However, if you want to grab a bargain, you can pick up a dimmer switch from B&Q whilst you are buying the sealant for a tenner. Normally the dimmer switch is £25.

You can purchase it online.

Dimmer switches could save you money. (Getty 2023/Basak Gurbuz Derman.)

3. Shower smarter

Water-saving shower heads are widely available for under £10, and switching can save £76.91 per year.

According to the experts, showers cost £256.36 annually on average for a family of four. However, by just changing your showerhead to a more efficient £8.99 water-saving shower head, you could use up to 30 per cent less water per shower.

They add that people can also reduce the time each family member showers for and see the savings add up.

You can purchase energy saving shower heads from B&Q. Check out their full range on their website.

4. Draught excluders for doors and windows

Draught excluders for both your windows and doors can really help keep the heat in. And in better news, they're not only affordable but they can save you up to £60 a year.

The experts explain: "Installing draught excluders, also known as weather strips, to plug these gaps can make a real difference, ensuring a barrier between your home and the colder weather outside.

"To see if you could benefit from this, shut each door or window on a sheet of paper. If you can pull the paper out without it tearing, then you are losing heat and your home would benefit from draught excluders. By preventing heat loss through draughts around doors and windows as well as cracks in walls, you could save over £60 per year."

You can purchase a them from their website and check out their full range online.

5. Low energy light bulbs

Lighting makes up a tenth of the average UK household’s electricity usage, says Norton Finance, And because of this, it is wise to use low energy light bulbs where possible.

Depending on the type of bulb that you are switching from, the Energy Savings Trust says that you could save up to £15 per bulb per year.

Norton Finance add that the average UK home has 67 lightbulbs, so you could save as much as £525 per year if you change all your bulbs from the least to most efficient style.

You can purchase a them from their website and check out their full range online.

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