Energy costs have come to dominate the household expenditure worries of Brits over the past couple of years, as providers continue to raise tariffs.
The situation worsens during the winter months, when 40 per cent of annual energy consumption is used, according to research by Moneysupermarket.com.
While keeping warm is essential, families are increasingly forfeiting health and comfort to avoid getting into debt.
As energy companies continue to put up fuel costs in 2012, finding ways to make ends meet while ensuring homes are heated is a major priority.
However, Annie Shaw, editor of CashQuestions.com, has declared that there are a number of things Brits can do to keep energy costs down.
"First, they should be making sure they are with the right company and on the right tariff," she advised.
Using an online calculator tool could also help to search out the cheapest deal.
Moneysupermarket.com claims that energy users on standard tariffs could save £199 a year by swapping to an online deal.
Additionally, fixing rates could protect against price hikes. However, three fixed energy deals come to an end this month.
SaveOnline v4 from E.ON, Fixed Price 2012 from British Gas, and PriceSure Energy from Scottish Power are due to finish throughout January.
Scott Byrom, utilities manager at Moneysupermarket.com, explained: "Languishing on fixed deals could spell bad news for Brits when they expire.
"In the worse case scenario, providers could automatically switch customers across to a more expensive standard tariff."
Consequently, shopping around is vital to avoid automatic roll-on.
However, Ms Shaw advises that one of the best ways to cut energy costs is through improving the energy efficiency of properties.
Double glazed windows are a great way to cut down on fuel bills, by protecting against draughts and improving heat retention.
It is estimated that
double glazing can in fact reduce heat loss through
windows by up to 50 per cent.
