The annual battle with heating bills is firing up again this November as, even with the milder-than-average conditions we’ve had this week, almost everyone will now have their heating on again. But if you’re worried about the cost of your heating bills, especially as Ofgem increased the price cap another 2% from October to January, there are some very cheap and quick fixes that can shave a valuable few quid off the cost of your heating.

You probably have a spare roll of it somewhere in the house, especially with Christmas approaching, and one expert suggests that bubble wrap can actually help save money on energy bills due to its insulating properties. By using a roll of bubble wrap, you can keep your house warmer and more comfortable during the chilly winter months, albeit at the cost of some reduced visibility from certain windows.

Mark McShane of Boiler Cover UK urged households to use the tip, adding: “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.”

Website WF Plastic explains how this works: “Often used in greenhouses, bubble wrap can also be used on domestic windows to boost their insulation rating.

“This is a simple technique for insulating windows with bubble wrap packing material. Bubble wrap is often used to insulate greenhouse windows in the winter, but it also seems to work fine for windows in the house.

“You can use it with or without regular or insulating window shades. It also works for windows of irregular shape, which can be difficult to find insulating shades for.

“The view through the bubble-wrapped window is fuzzy, so don’t use it on windows where you need a clear view. But, it does let plenty of light through.

“People seem to like the medium to large size bubbles, but report of smaller bubbles having the same insulating properties are common. The larger ones appear (from surface temperature measurements) to insulate a little better, and you still get a nice artistic effect looking out of them. The small bubble wrap totally obscures the view, but you still get plenty of light.”

To put it into action, cut the bubble wrap to match the size of the window with scissors, then spray a film of water onto the window using a spray bottle. After, apply the bubble wrap to the windowpane while the window is still wet and press it into place.

The wrap should go bubble side towards the glass. It will not leave a mess or stains on the window when you remove it later after winter is over.