Grand Designs' Kevin McCloud has shared handy tips for saving on energy bills this winter.The Channel 4 show host has long said that he believed good home design balances beauty, innovation and sustainability.

And with energy bills rising amid the cost of living crisis, the property expert and TV personality has come out and said: "What’s missing at the moment is sensible advice". Kevin, who was awarded an MBE for services to sustainable design and energy saving property refurbishment, said: "Aesthetics and the joy that a beautiful environment brings are really important – why not invest in beauty? But I think now it’s not so much a question of cost, it’s a question of value.

"Well-made things, and the well-designed house that’s eco-efficient and sustainable and low-energy, are becoming much more desirable, and I think the cost implications of the cost of living crisis have tipped the balance. It's like, 'it's all very well my house being beautiful, but if I can't afford to heat the water, what's the point?'"

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With that in mind, Kevin shared 10 ways households can save energy and reduce their bills, reports BerkshireLive. From filling gaps in windows to turning off your TV at the socket when you're not using it, here are his tips that could help you this winter.

1. Add extra insulation

With energy so expensive, you don't want to let any money spent on heating escape through walls, windows and doors. That's where having good insulation comes in.

Kevin said: "The first Green Living pillar of wisdom is insulation. Under floors, wall insulation, which should be considered, and of course loft insulation, which is completely critical.

"In my own experience, just add another four inches of insulation to your attic. Many people have already got eight inches in there, but if you add another four, you’ll really feel the benefit.

"I always used to say it’ll pay for itself in two weeks. But actually it’ll pay for itself in one week with the cost of energy being what it is."

Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud has shared tips for cutting energy bills
Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud has shared tips for cutting energy bills

2. Choose carpet

If you want to keep the heat in, carpets will also help. Kevin said: "If you’re putting insulation underneath a draughty floor, think about carpeting that floor, rather than having it as bare boards."

3. Deal with any draughts

Heat also escapes easily through doors. And draught-proofing around windows and doors could save around £45 a year, the Energy Saving Trust estimates.

You can buy stick-on draught-excluding rubber rolls from DIY stores and online retailers. Kevin explained: "It comes on long rolls and you just stick it round your doorway.

"It’s all standard stuff that can really make a difference. And then of course there's the long sausage dog that goes at the bottom of the door, like my grandad used to have – I’ve got two of those."

4. Be window wise

Any gaps around windows should be plugged too. Other energy-efficient window measures include installing thermal-efficient glazing, or secondary glazing, where another slim-line window is added to existing windows – though these require more investment than simple draught-proofing.

5. Consider thermal plaster

Kevin said: "If you can’t do everything, then think about using an insulated plaster or board on your walls." Plaster-like mixtures infused with insulative materials don’t let heat escape as much as standard plaster.

6. Invest in a heat pump

Kevin also suggests getting a heat pump rather than a boiler – but that involves some investment. He said: "All of a sudden, everybody's saying things like they've got a gas boiler and they're not happy. I think we’ve been banging a drum for a very long time and suddenly the market is very hungry for everything we’ve been working towards."

7. Super solar

Solar panels are another eco-friendly heating solution but again, not the cheapest option. Kevin said: "They heat well, but do involve some investment."

8. Get a smart meter

Getting a smart meter installed can help you track household energy spending more efficiently.

9. Intelligent water tanks

Smart water tanks have sensors to monitor your home’s hot water levels. Energy company Centrica says this can help save more than 10% on hot water bills annually, as it means only heating what is actually needed.

10. Every small step counts

Even if you are not in a position to invest in big energy saving measures, there are plenty of clever little ways to help reduce your bills. Even steps like turning your TV or microwave off at the socket when you're not using them can add up.

Kevin said: "Should I turn the tap off when I’m brushing my teeth? Should I boil just enough water in the kettle? Should I put the dishwasher on at night on the economy setting? Should I wait ’til I’ve got a proper full load of washing before I put the machine on? Yes to all of these things.

"They're not going to make a huge difference, but every little helps. One of the most interesting things that will make quite a significant difference to most people is turning machines off at the socket when you’re not using them – things like televisions and microwaves.

"I read that the total saving by not keeping a machine on standby, by turning it off at the plug, works out in the average house at about £150 a year. It's quite a lot, and it's a really good discipline to get into."

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