As the weather turns colder and more depressing, many in the UK will be feeling the chill.

As the temperature drops we find ourselves reaching for the electric blankets and woolly jumpers to try and keep warm throughout the cold days and nights.

With gas and electricity prices fluctuating throughout the year, there is uncertainty as to the price of their supplies, but there are a few simple steps you can take to help you stay warm and cut the cost of your energy bills.

• Insulate your home through draught proofing and attic insulation to help reduce heat loss. Grants from your gas and electric supplier can be available in certain circumstances.
• Grants are also available for installing efficient and modern heating methods, and some providers offer year-round boiler service for a fixed fee.
• Try and keep the temperature of the main rooms of your property at around 21°C during the day, as well as ensuring that you keep your water system at a warm temperature in order to prevent pipes freezing.
• Make sure you wrap up warm this winter, both inside and outside - ensuring you have a good quality coat, hat, gloves and scarf for when you have to venture into the cold. If you use an electric blanket during the night for extra warmth, be sure that it's been tested for safety purposes, and you should never use a hot water bottle at the same time.
• Ensure you eat well throughout the winter months, try and have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day to help provide your body with fuel to help keep warm.
• Do your best to exercise at least once an hour in order to keep warm. If you have a regular exercise routine, you should try and stick to it during the winter months.
• Have your heating system serviced annually to reduce the risk of breakages during the worst of the cold weather. Some gas and electric providers offer free safety checks, while grants are available for the over 60's to help towards winter energy bills.
• Try not to leave electrical appliances, such as televisions and stereos, on standby mode during the night, you could save yourself money on your electric bill through simply switching appliances off properly.

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