Martin Lewis has shared a series of energy-saving tips aimed at helping households reduce costs during the winter months.
The consumer champion made the comments on his BBC podcast, where he outlined several low-cost changes that could help keep homes warmer while cutting energy bills.
Mr Lewis said one of the simplest measures involves placing reflective material behind radiators, particularly those fitted to external walls.
He said this prevents heat from escaping through the wall and reflects warmth back into the room.
“Sheets of reflective material can be placed behind radiators. Crucially this is on external wall radiators so the heat doesn’t escape.”
He explained that the panels work by redirecting heat that would otherwise be lost, improving the efficiency of the heating system.
A four-metre roll of radiator heat reflector foil is currently on sale at Screwfix for £5.69, following a reduction of 15 per cent.
The Money Saving Expert said the small upfront cost could result in noticeable improvements in warmth and energy efficiency.
He also advised households to be selective about which radiators they use when heating their homes.
Radiators in unused rooms should be turned off before switching the heating on.
He said: “If you’ve got radiators in rooms that you’re not using, go and turn them off before you turn the heating on so you’re not wasting cash overheating empty spaces.”
Martin Lewis has shared a series of energy-saving tips
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ITV/GETTYHe said this approach ensures energy is directed only to rooms that are in use.
Mr Lewis also highlighted a lesser-known adjustment that could reduce gas bills.
“Changing the flow rate on your boiler can cut gas bill by over nine per cent and you won’t notice the change.”
Lowering the flow temperature allows the boiler to run more efficiently without affecting comfort levels.
The consumer expert said the adjustment is often simple to make and can deliver savings over the winter period.
Mr Lewis also warned households about the high running costs of certain appliances.
Running a tumble dryer can cost up to £1 per load
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“Do you know what the real ‘demon appliance’ is in most people’s houses – the one that you don’t want to use because it’s really expensive. Tumble dryers.”
He advised households to reduce dryer use where possible, and suggested drying clothes on an airer outside or limiting tumble dryer use to shorten drying times.
“You’re typically paying up to a quid per load so dry your clothes on an airer outside, to shorten the amount of time you’re using your tumble dryer, or avoid using it completely.”
For those who need to dry clothes indoors, he recommended using a dehumidifier as a lower-cost alternative.
Dehumidifiers use significantly less electricity than tumble dryers, which can be effective for removing moisture from the air when clothes are dried indoors.
Households should ensure their TVs are set to low‑energy or eco modes to cut usage
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As for reducing energy use around the home, households should check that televisions are set to low energy or eco modes.
“Check your TV’s on a low energy setting too and walk around your house.”
He encouraged people to identify and seal drafts.
“Be a draft detector – what drafts can you spot as you walk around your house? And then try, if you can, to seal them up.”