Three household appliances people are being urged to switch off to save money

Brits are searching for ways to reduce their energy bills with the recent 10 percent energy price cap increase from Ofgem coming into effect on October 1

As the UK experiences a significant drop in temperatures, many are contemplating turning on their heating. This comes as search volumes for 'are energy bills going up?' have surged by an astonishing 60 percent in just the past week.

It's no surprise that individuals are seeking new methods to cut their energy bills and expenditures. The recent 10 percent energy price cap increase from Ofgem, effective from October 1, will result in British households paying more to heat their homes this winter.

With this price cap, bills are expected to rise by £12 each month, amounting to nearly £150 extra annually. Alison Maclean, head of marketing at national housebuilder St. Modwen Homes, has shared tips on how Brits can reduce their energy bills this winter. One straightforward method is to turn off any standby appliances in homes, reports the Express.

Turning off standby plugs could save approximately £40 a year. These include lamps and kitchen appliances like toasters and kettles.

Switching off appliances at the wall, instead of leaving them on standby, helps lower energy usage. Homeowners often forget to do this daily, but smart plugs and timers can automate this process. Alternatively, set a daily reminder on your smartphone or smart home technology. Avoid heating empty rooms unnecessarily.

Most UK homes have a radiator in every room, but not all rooms are used all the time. For instance, there might be a spare bedroom that remains unused for most of the week or a bathroom that's only used when guests visit. It's crucial to turn off radiators in the least-used rooms, which could save Brits 4.5 percent on their energy bills - that's an extra £50 off.

Another tip is to focus on warming yourself rather than the entire room. This approach involves reducing energy consumption and using it more intelligently throughout the house.

One way to do this is by investing in an electric blanket. This one-time purchase can keep you warm at night and costs as little as 3p per hour to use, compared to a hefty 22p per hour for standard energy supplies.

If you calculate the cost differences, using an electric blanket instead of turning on the heating during the winter months in the UK could save you £136.80. Considering that an electric blanket can cost as little as £24.99, you're still looking at savings of over £110.