Millions of households are preparing for higher energy costs this winter following Ofgem’s 2% price cap increase from October 1. Nevertheless, EDF Energy maintains there are multiple strategies to reduce your bills, including one technique that could deliver average savings of £60 annually.

While it may seem simple, this strategy involves identifying and sealing draughts across your home, including around doors, windows, and chimneys, to prevent heat from escaping. Overlooking these areas could well explain why you’re perpetually turning up the thermostat.

In an online guide on ‘simple investments to help save money’, EDF Energy has explained: “Block gaps where heat escapes and cold air gets in; you’ll prevent heat loss and keep your home warm. There are a number of places where you can prevent draughts. Draught-proofing your chimney alone could save you around £60 a year.” On that basis, stopping the other draughts could potentially save hundreds a year.

EDF Energy is certainly not the only supplier advocating this strategy. Octopus Energy has similarly suggested that even creating your own draught excluders to prevent heat loss could yield considerable savings.

Octopus Energy’s online guidance has added: “A continuous draught can quickly undo all the good work of your heating – essentially wasting energy. Identifying and plugging up draughts around doors, windows and other gaps can help trap warmth in and make your gas spend go further.

“…Professional draught-proofing can cost a few hundred pounds. You can also find draughts yourself using the back of your hand, or with a thermal camera and make your own excluders for free using old fabric scraps. Average saving: £80 per year.”

Thermal cameras are particularly effective in identifying heat loss in properties as they measure surface temperatures. Homeowners can use these devices to pinpoint the hottest areas, shown in red, and the coldest areas, displayed in blue.

Addressing common heat loss areas, such as windows, doors, and skirting boards, can help keep your property warmer for longer periods, reducing the need to crank up the heating.

Those keen on utilising a thermal camera will find many local councils offer them at no cost. The London Library of Things also hires out thermal cameras for just £15 daily, according to Which?. Many Octopus Energy customers can access these cameras as well, although the company’s initiative is presently paused until the new year.

Further advice from Octopus Energy has explained: “We genuinely want to help our customers be more energy efficient. It’s simply the right thing to do, not only because it keeps your bills low, but because it’s better for the environment as well.

“We’ve sent our cameras out to nearly 5,000 customers over the last few years, and we’re absolutely honoured that so many customers have told us that the camera loan has helped them practically identify how to save heat in their home.

“Right now, saving gas is more important than ever, with millions of UK households left struggling to pay record-high energy bills. For Winter 2025, we’ve prioritised camera loans for those who need it most.”

Households with flexible budgets can opt for a professional thermal survey, costing about £300 for smaller homes and £750 for larger ones. Which? recommends using its Home Energy Planning Service to identify the best options for each person’s situation.

Additional energy-saving guidance can be found on both EDF Energy and Octopus Energy’s websites.