Martin Lewis' MSE 'magic' clingfilm tip for slashing your energy bills and keeping your home warm

The Centre for Sustainable Energy suggests covering windows with a thin transparent plastic film, similar to clingfilm, which can be easily installed by yourself

A clever trick to help cut down on your heating bills involves a common household item you're likely to have in your kitchen.

According to Martin Lewis ' Money Saving Expert website, clingfilm could be the key to keeping your home cosy this winter. The Centre for Sustainable Energy suggests covering windows with a thin transparent plastic film, similar to clingfilm, which can be easily installed by yourself.

The blog post explains: "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 warns that if you have single-glazed windows, you might not notice much of a difference. It continues: " 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."

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 reducing your heating bill 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. To keep the warmth in, draw your curtains or blinds to stop heat escaping through windows. You could save a few quid each week by dropping your thermostat by just one degree - experts suggest 18C as the perfect temperature.

Releasing a box of 200C air into your kitchen can help fend off the evening chill. Cover wooden or laminate floors with insulating cotton rugs for toasty toes. And don't forget, pile on the layers before cranking up the heat - the more clothes you have on, the less you'll need to use your heating, saving you dosh. Sealing those little gaps around your home can make a big difference to your heating bills.

Use simple gaffer tape 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 go down.

But remember, some woodlands leave dead wood for wildlife. Sometimes, the old ways 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.