Turning thermostats down 'could cut bills'

Homeowners in the UK could reduce their utility bills by taking simple measures to increase their energy efficiency, an expert from an advisory firm has said.

Paula Owen, spokesperson for the Energy Saving Trust, said that even turning down a thermostat by a tiny amount could see bills reduced.

"Try turning your thermostat down by one degree Celsius - you might not notice the difference, but it can cut your heating bills by ten per cent a year," she commented.

Ms Owen added that many people have their thermostats on too high in the first place, with temperatures only needing to be between 18 and 21 degrees in living areas unless children or the elderly are present.

Other measures suggested by the expert include reducing the temperature of the hot water tank and setting timers on electric radiators.

A recent report by the Communities and Local Government committee stated that that the average existing home in the UK emits 1.6 tonnes of carbon each year, almost twice as much as the average new build home (0.86 tonnes).

The Energy Saving Trust attests that £962 million worth of energy would be saved every year if cavity wall insulation was fitted in all houses.