The 10 hidden energy-saving hacks that could save you over £200 this winter (and most people don't know about them)

For many households, summer is usually a chance to catch up financially before the heating goes back on.

But this year has been different.

With food prices still high, household budgets stretched and many people still paying off debts built up because of high living costs, plenty of households simply haven't had the chance to build up that usual summer buffer.

In fact, our figures show that for customers seeking support, the average energy debt now stands at £2,270, while almost half (47%) are behind on their energy bills.

But there are plenty of jobs households can do now to make their homes cheaper to heat before winter arrives. And together they could knock well over £200 off your annual bill.

1. Turn down your boiler's flow temperature

If you've got a combi boiler, this is probably the biggest free saving most people can make. Many boilers are set much hotter than they need to be, so lowering the heating flow temperature to around 55-60°C helps the boiler run much more efficiently without making your home feel any colder. It takes two minutes, costs nothing and could cut around 6-8% off heating bills. That's roughly £60 to £100 over the year. It's one of those hidden settings millions of people don't even know exists.

2. Check what freebies your energy supplier is giving away

Before you spend any money, check what your energy supplier is offering. Every year, suppliers hand out thousands of pounds' worth of energy-saving products, but many people never realise they're available. Depending on your supplier and your circumstances, you could get things like heated blankets, electric throws, smart thermostats, LED bulbs, radiator reflector panels, insulation or even help replacing old appliances. Some also have hardship funds or grants for customers struggling with bills. It takes five minutes to check and you could save yourself spending hundreds of pounds. Find out more here: Financial help from your energy supplier

3. Give your radiators a proper clean

Most of us vacuum behind the sofa, but hardly anyone thinks about what's inside their radiators. Dust builds up between the fins and acts like a blanket, stopping heat from escaping into the room. A radiator brush costs around £6 to £10, or you can use a hairdryer and vacuum cleaner to blow the dust out. It could improve your heating efficiency enough to save around £20 to £30 a year.

4. Put radiator foil in the right place

Radiator foil really does work, but only if you use it properly. It should go behind radiators fixed to outside walls, where it reflects heat back into the room instead of letting it disappear through the brickwork. It could reduce bills by around £15 to £30 a year. But don't waste money putting it behind radiators on internal walls though, because it won't make much difference.

5. Hunt down hidden draughts with incense

Try using an incense stick to find hidden draughts. Slowly move it around windows, loft hatches, skirting boards, pipework and letterboxes. If the smoke starts moving, you've found somewhere warm air is escaping. A packet of incense costs a couple of pounds and draught-proofing strips start from around £5. Sealing those leaks could save between £20 and £50 a year, and your home will feel noticeably warmer too.

6. Move your furniture away from radiators

If your sofa is pushed right up against a radiator, you're paying to heat the back of the sofa instead of the room. Pulling furniture just a few inches away lets warm air circulate properly, meaning your home heats up faster and you're less likely to reach for the thermostat. It's completely free, but avoiding turning your heating up by just one degree could save around £90 to £100 over the year.

7. Pull your fridge away from the wall

Your fridge works 24 hours a day, so keeping it efficient really matters. If it's pushed right against the wall or covered in dust at the back, it has to work much harder to stay cold. Pull it forward by around five centimetres and give the coils a quick clean while you're there. It costs nothing and could save around £10 to £20 a year, while also helping your fridge last longer.

8. Find your home's 'energy vampire'

Almost every household has one appliance that's quietly costing far more than people realise. It could be an old garage freezer, a drinks fridge, a TV box left on constantly or an ageing games console. A plug-in energy monitor costs around £15 to £25 and can quickly reveal what's eating electricity.

9. Insulate your loft hatch

Lots of people insulate their loft but completely forget about the hatch itself. It's a bit like buying a thick winter coat and leaving the zip open. Loft hatch insulation kits cost around £15 to £25 and take minutes to fit.

10. Bleed your radiators before the cold weather arrives

Don't wait until the first freezing morning to discover your radiators aren't heating properly. If they're cold at the top and warm at the bottom, trapped air is stopping them working efficiently. Bleeding your radiators only takes a few minutes. And it helps your heating system run more efficiently, improves comfort and could save around £10 to £25 over the heating season. You can find videos showing you how to do it on YouTube.