Common kitchen item that can help save on energy bills after £300 Winter Fuel Payment axe

A simple hack can be used to help keep bills down

Pensioners could cut their winter energy bills by using an item commonly found in their kitchens. Many people have been thinking about how to heat their home in more cost-effective ways after Winter Fuel Payments of £200 to £300 were axed for millions.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously said that future payments will only be made to those getting Pension Credit or other means-tested help. It was paid to all pensioners to help with energy bills before the change was brought it.

According to one heating expert, there is something you can find within you home that could help towards cutting your costs. Using an empty crisp packet could reduce your heating costs this winter.

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It doesn't just have to be a crisp packet, it could be any type of foil. Mark McShane, of Boiler Cover UK, said this 'simple yet effective' method can boost your radiator's efficiency.

This means that you do not need to run it as long, costing you less in heating bills. He said: "By placing a reflective material, such as an empty crisp packet, behind your radiators, you can bounce the heat back into your room instead of letting it escape through the walls. It's an easy, cost-effective way to make the most of your heating."

Simply cut and clean an empty crisp packet and attach it to the wall behind your radiator using double-sided tape. The reflective surface helps direct more heat back into the room, allowing you to feel warmer without increasing your energy usage.

This is the same method as the 'foil trick' but is even cheaper than using foil as you may have crisp packets already at home. Another tip involves the oven door.

Mark said: "Leaving your oven door open after cooking allows the residual heat to warm your kitchen, and using bubble wrap on windows can serve as an insulator, reducing heat loss."