So far this winter we’ve experienced a lot of heavy rain and strong winds, as well as sharp drops in temperature, and many of us have been keeping our heating on for longer.

More than 18,000 homes in West Devon could benefit from improvements to reduce energy costs and enhance comfort year-round. The question many people ask is, ‘where to start?’ There are a number of practical measures that we can all take to make sure we stay warm and well.

Stopping your heat escaping is key to staying warm. Draught busting (e.g. door and window strips, and draught excluders) can make a big difference. Using a slow cooker and a microwave can also reduce the cost of cooking. Keeping radiators clear and switching appliances off at the plug also helps reduce unnecessary energy use.

Once you’ve explored these everyday energy wins, it’s worth thinking about longer term improvements. Appropriate insulation upgrades are a great place to start, helping to keep the heat in and reduce overall energy use. Renewables and smart technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps and smart meters can also lower bills and reduce reliance on the grid.

Upgrading to more efficient heating controls can boost comfort and cut heat loss, while replacing older boilers or appliances with modern, efficient models can make a noticeable difference to running costs.