As temperatures drop, households are searching for ways to cut costs on energy bills but some straightforward solutions might be overlooked. Lofts, roofs and chimneys in particular could be pushing up heating costs without homeowners even realising, according to one expert.

"Most people focus on turning down their thermostat or switching energy providers, but they're missing the biggest culprit," says Jeff Berzolla, CEO of Instant Roofer. Chimneys can be an especially tricky problem as heat rises and could escape straight out for those unable to seal this opening properly or permanently.

Berzolla explained: "Open chimneys are like having a window open 24/7. Even when you're not using your fireplace, the chimney creates a direct path for heated air to escape."

The fix is straightforward though; chimney balloons. These are essentially blockers that fit inside your chimney and seal up the opening.

The expert added: "These inflatable plugs fit snugly in your chimney flue and can be easily removed when you want to use the fireplace.

"They're particularly effective in homes where the fireplace is rarely used but the damper doesn't seal properly."

Chimney balloons typically cost between £20 and £30 but could save you up to 15% on heating costs, which equates to hundreds of pounds in annual savings for the average UK household.

Berzolla also advised those with a loft to enhance the insulation in this area to prevent heat from escaping through your roof.

He said: "Adding or upgrading loft insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 25%.

"The recommended depth in the UK is at least 270mm. Most older homes have maybe 100mm, which is like wearing a t-shirt in a blizzard."

Insulation can be an expensive upgrade, with installation averaging around £900, but this could pay off in a few years time as the expert estimates it can save up to £300 on energy bills annually.

Berzolla further added: "These hacks work because they address the fundamental problem of thermal bridging and air leakage. When heated air escapes through your roof, your heating system has to work overtime to maintain comfortable temperatures.

"The beauty of these fixes is that they target the biggest energy wasters first. Proper insulation and air sealing can reduce heating costs by 20-30%, so that's £300-£400 savings for the average UK household spending around £1,500 annually on heating.

"Most homeowners can tackle these projects over a weekend. The key is starting with the biggest impact items like insulation and air sealing, then moving to the smaller fixes. Even implementing just three of these hacks can cut your heating bills significantly this winter."