Concentrating on DIY projects geared towards boosting a home's energy efficiency could be one of the best ways of avoiding falling into the fuel poverty trap.
According to a new study carried out by the comparison site moneysupermarket.com, a large number of Britons could be unaware that they are living in fuel poverty and thereby eligible for financial help.
The site has noted that as many as five million people across the UK could be living in fuel poverty, whereby at least ten per cent of their monthly income goes on paying their heating bills.
Shopping around for the best utilities deal and carrying out sensible DIY projects are among the best means of escaping this trap.
Moneysupermarket.com advised homeowners to concentrate on DIY projects that reduce draughts around keyholes, letter boxes or gaps in doors, as well as stopping heat escaping through the roof by fitting insulation.
"Heat escaping your home is money wasted, so get yourself kitted out," it concluded.
These DIY tips come soon after the thinktank Policy Exchange warned that household energy bills are set to carry on rising as the government's 'green taxes' triple to £50 a year.
Posted by Jenny Summer