MONEY TALK By Philip Sellwood Energy Saving Trust chief executive

Philip Sellwood: "There are plenty of ways to conserve energy"

The average British household spends about �620 a year on gas and electricity. An energy expert gives his tips on how to cut bills.

We can all afford to be a bit savvier about the way we spend our hard earned cash and use energy in our home.

The average households can save up to �200 a year on their bills by just being more energy efficient in the home.

What is more, by taking a few simple steps you can reduce the level of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

There are plenty of ways to conserve energy in your home that range from no-cost measures to items that may involve some expense but will save you money in the long run.

Cheaper lighting

Costing from just �5, energy efficient light bulbs last 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs.

In addition, for each bulb fitted the energy conscious householder can chop �7 from their annual electricity bill.

Be nice to your icebox

Fridge-freezers are the most hardworking appliances in our kitchens.

If every home in the UK had cavity wall insulation fitted tomorrow it would save �650m on energy bills

In fact, UK households use �1.2bn worth of electricity on refrigeration alone every year.

To help cut costs, don't leave the door open longer than necessary as cold air will escape.

In addition, avoid putting hot food into the fridge, defrost the freezer regularly and check the door seals are working properly.

Warmer water

An insulating jacket for a hot water tank only costs a few pounds and pays for itself within months.

Fit a three inch thick jacket and save �10-15 a year.

If every UK household fitted a jacket on their tank tomorrow, the country would cut �150m of its energy bill each year.

Windows and walls

Double-glazing cuts heat loss through windows by 50% and can slash heating bills by �40 a year on average.

If your boiler is over 15 years old, it's probably time you gave it the elbow and replaced it with a nice new energy efficient one

However, just by ensuring your curtains are drawn every evening heating can be saved and bills kept to a minimum.

Around 33% of the heat lost in your home is through the walls, so insulating them can be the most cost-effective way to save energy in the home. You could save �100 on your annual heating bills.

It's a straightforward, inexpensive and hassle-free job. If every home in the UK had cavity wall insulation fitted tomorrow it would save �650m on energy bills.

Fixing the boiler

We rarely think about our boilers until they go bang.

If your boiler is over 15 years old, it's probably time you gave it the elbow and replaced it with a nice new energy efficient one.

Condensing boilers are the most energy efficient and will save you around a third on your heating bills straight away, and even more if you upgrade to modern controls.

For more information on how to cut your energy bill see the Energy Saving Trust website, link provided on the right hand side, or call 0845 727 7200.