Martin Lewis' MSE 'genius' tip for saving money on heating bills with something we all have at home

The Centre for Sustainable Energy suggests covering windows with a thin transparent plastic film, which looks like clingfilm, and you can install it yourself

A new genius tip to help save money on your heating bills requires a common item you already have in your kitchen.

Using clingfilm may help keep your home warm, according to the Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert website. The Centre for Sustainable Energy suggests covering windows with a thin transparent plastic film, which looks like clingfilm, and you can install it yourself.

The blog entry reads: "It's cheap and simple, and by putting a sheet of specifically designed film (or good old fashioned clingfilm) on each of your windows, you trap a small layer of air, which can help to stop heat from escaping. The key to adding a second layer of 'glazing' is that it's transparent and airtight."

However, the blog post warns you may not notice much of a difference if you have single-glazed windows. It adds: " Ideally, you'd want to install specialist secondary glazing as it'll last longer. If you have double glazing, adding a third layer could make you a little warmer, but the benefit will be much less noticeable than with a single-glazed window. If your windows are draughty, it's worth fixing that as well as adding secondary glazing, or you'll only get half the benefit."

Other tips for keeping your heating bill down include cutting sheets of kitchen foil to fit behind radiators, which will reflect hot air back into the room rather than letting it escape through cold walls. Avoid blocking radiators with bulky furniture, as this traps heat. Draw curtains or blinds to prevent warm air from escaping through windows. Lowering your thermostat by just one degree could save you several pounds per week - experts recommend 18C as an ideal temperature.

Releasing a box full of 200C air into the kitchen can help stave off the cold in the evening. Cover wooden or laminate floors with insulating cotton rugs to keep your feet warm. And remember, layer up before turning up the heat - the more clothes you wear, the less you'll need to rely on your heating, saving you money. Sealing those tiny gaps around your home can significantly reduce your heating bills. Simple gaffer tape can be used to seal cracks in floors and walls, while old clothes, towels or specially bought draft excluders can block the bottom of doors.

Any fuel you find in public woods is free, and if your fire burns for longer, you'll need less heating and your bills will decrease. However, remember that some woodlands leave dead wood for wildlife. Sometimes, traditional methods are best - using a hot water bottle in bed could significantly cut your overnight heating costs. If you have a sunny south-facing room, it will naturally be the warmest in the house – leaving the door open will allow the heated air to circulate. And yes, once the sun sets, close the door to your living room or bedroom to keep all that cosy air inside.