Millions of households are bracing for steeper energy costs this winter following Ofgem's 2% price cap rise from October 1. However, EDF Energy insists there are numerous ways to slash your bills, including one method that could deliver average savings of £60 annually.

Whilst it might appear straightforward, this approach involves spotting and blocking draughts throughout your property, including around doors, windows, and chimneys, to stop heat from leaking out. Neglecting these spots could well be why you're constantly cranking up the thermostat.

In anonline guideon '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."

EDF Energy is far from the only provider championing this approach. Octopus Energy has likewise recommended that even making your own draught excluders to halt heat loss could deliver substantial 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 prove particularly effective for spotting heat loss in properties, as they operate by measuring surface temperatures. Using these devices, homeowners can identify the hottest areas displayed in red and the coldest shown in blue.

Tackling typical heat loss locations such as windows, doors, and skirting boards can help maintain warmth in your property for longer periods, cutting the requirement to turn 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 for winter.

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.