Energy customers can save £90 this winter with a few small DIY fixes

Heating and hot water comprise more than half of what the average household shells out for energy bills, making it vital to prepare your heating system ahead of winter to curb costs. The UK Government has released new advice stressing that "many low and no cost actions you can take to save energy and money over the winter period".

'Get ready for Winter' tips suggest households could save upwards of £90 during the chillier months through a range of straightforward measures. Key recommendations include bleeding radiators, moderating radiator heat in unoccupied rooms, lowering the temperature of your hot water, and draft-proofing.

Many of these tips will not only save you money throughout the winter, but will also ensure that your home is heated properly, making the colder months that little bit more comfortable, reports the Daily Record.

Keep radiator thermostats reduced but not switched off in empty spaces. Completely turning off radiators leads to less efficiency because your boiler must exert more effort heating a colder room from scratch.

Plus, fully turning them off might contribute to dampness and mould problems.

People over 65, children under 5 and those with pre-existing health conditions are more susceptible to the effects of cold temperatures. It's crucial to ensure your home is adequately heated, maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 18 Celsius - typically setting 2 or 3 on your radiator valves - to stay healthy and comfortable.

Lowering your hot water to 60C could save you up to £10 annually. If your heating system includes a separate hot water cylinder (as opposed to a combi boiler), consider reducing the cylinder's temperature to avoid unnecessary heating.

The control for your hot water cylinder is