Energy bills

One of the most costly aspects of running a home, mortgage payments aside, is paying for your energy bills.

Energy companies are very fond of pushing up energy prices and customers have already seen two waves of price increases by Britain's big six energy suppliers since November 2010. This has added a total of £2.24 billion onto household energy bills and as a result, 6.9 million households are now in fuel poverty, according to uSwitch. Fuel poverty is where 10% or more of net household income is spent on energy bills.

To help fight back against rising energy prices, there are a number of steps you can take:

Switch provider

Switching energy providers might sound like a hassle, but it's actually pretty straightforward and your new and old supplier should do most of the work for you.

To ensure you're always getting the best deal for your money, you should regularly shop around and compare energy deals.

However, this is particularly important if you have recently moved home because your supplier will usually put you on its standard or default tariff which is one of the most expensive tariffs to be on. So make sure you don't pay more than you should be and get switching as soon as possible.

You can save even more money by opting for a dual fuel tariff – where both your electricity and gas are provided by the same company – as well as an online tariff. Paying your bill by direct debit also generally works out to be cheaper.

Watch out for estimated readings

Always check your energy bills carefully and ensure you're not paying for an estimated reading. If you have been given an estimated reading, check your meter and submit the actual reading to your supplier.

Insulate your home

One of the key ways to reduce how much you spend on your energy bills is to get proper insulation in your home. According to the Energy Saving Trust, having cavity wall insulation could save you £110 a year, while solid wall insulation will save you around £375 a year. Loft insulation should save you approximately £145 a year.

For anyone concerned about the cost of having insulation fitted, bear in mind you may be eligible for a government or local authority grant – you can find out more about this on the Energy Saving Trust website. If you're on benefits or aged 70 or over, you may even qualify for free cavity wall or loft insulation.

The government also provides funding to households on certain income-related benefits to improve energy efficiency. The scheme is called Warm Front in England, Warm Homes in Northern Ireland, the Energy Assistance Package in Scotland and NEST in Wales.

Qualifying households can get improvements worth up to £3,500. You can find out more and find out whether you're eligible on the DirectGov website.

Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment

Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment that's offered by the government to those of you born on or before 5 January 1951. The amount you'll receive depends on your personal situation but you can find out more about this on the DirectGov website.

If you're receiving certain benefits, you may also be entitled to Cold Weather Payment. A payment is made for each seven day period of very cold weather (as recorded by a network of weather stations) between 1 November and 31 March.

Unlike Winter Fuel Payment, you don't have to apply for Cold Weather Payment as if you qualify, you'll be paid automatically. Find out more on the DirectGov website.

Get a better boiler

According to the Energy Saving Trust, replacing an old G rated boiler with an A rated condensing boiler with a full set of heating controls can save you as much as £225 a year.

Unfortunately, however, replacing a boiler doesn't come cheap and unless you live in Scotland, you can no longer apply for the boiler scrappage scheme.

The Scottish government is offering home owners a voucher entitling them to a £400 subsidy towards the cost of upgrading an inefficient boiler. Take a look at the Energy Saving Trust website for more information.

Those not living in Scotland will have to cough up the full cost of a new boiler themselves. However, the savings can be well worth the initial outlay – just always remember to shop around first.

Quick energy saving tips

• Bleed your radiators regularly
• Don't hang clothes on the radiator
• Turn off appliances when not in use – don't leave them on standby
• Only boil the amount of water you require in your kettle
• Match the saucepan size to the hob ring
• Turn your thermostat down by one degree
• Turn your hot water thermostat down to around 60 degrees C
• Regularly defrost the freezer
• Stop any draughts
• Always turn lights off when you leave a room
• Try to avoid half loads for the washing machine and tumble dryer
• Use energy saving light bulbs.