The UK is being hit by the second named storm of the season, as Storm Boelo , preceded by Austen, lashes the country.

Parts of the UK and Ireland have been spending a lot of time in the single digits in recent days, serving as a stark reminder that winter is on the way.

Staying comfortable during the colder months is important. The challenge, however, remains achieving this warmth without incurring excessive energy costs .

“People rely on their heating more at this time of year, so we want to help households manage their heating effectively, keeping costs down while staying warm,” says Joanna O’Loan, knowledge manager at the Energy Saving Trust.

And Sam Jump, head of business development at underfloor heating specialist the Wunda Group , adds: “During a cold snap, there are several simple ways that homeowners can cut down energy usage to save money on their heating bills without switching the heating off.

“The single most effective way of making your heating work more efficiently is to identify and…