Dilly Carter’s top tips for cooking smart and cutting bills this winter

Warming foody favourites are one of the few good things about the temperature dropping.

But turning the oven on every day for roasts, pies, and crumbles can cause energy costs to rack up quickly.

Professional organiser and TV personality Dilly Carter has some new habits and hacks to help you keep each room in your home cosy this winter, while staying on top of energy costs.

Focusing on the kitchen specifically, Dilly has suggested some useful ways to save money while cooking.

“Air fryers and a microwave are generally more efficient than a gas hob or oven,” she says. “But batch cooking on the hob is a great way to save energy if you don’t have those appliances.

“Warming up a single portion of bolognese from the freezer is still going to use less energy than cooking from scratch every time.

“If you’re turning the oven on, think about other things you could cook at the same time. Is there room alongside your Sunday roast for some muffins for the kids’ lunchboxes, for example?”

Dilly also has energy-saving tips for those partial to a brew.

“Only boil the amount of water you need for the number of cups you’re making,” says Dilly.

“I would never deprive anyone of a cuppa, but don’t waste money boiling water you’re not going to use.

“Descaling your kettle can make it work more efficiently - and make your tea taste better.”

Turning her attention to larger appliances, Dilly says, “Wait until your washing machine and dishwasher are full before you switch them on. Washing clothes at 30 degrees is fine for most things and will be kinder to your clothes too.”

“There are so many simple ways to keep your home warmer this winter,” adds Dilly. “A lot of them cost nothing or very little.

“Just take half an hour to walk around