Mendip District Council is sharing five top tips from its newly launched Somerset Energy Saver website, which could help households save £100s this winter.

The website lists ways that residents can tackle rising energy costs, through free or low-cost measures, to larger energy-saving adjustments in the home.

The website also highlights finance options that could help pay for energy efficiency home improvements.

Cllr Richard Pinnock, Portfolio Holder for Housing Services and Governance, said: "Despite the mounting costs that families are currently facing for energy and heating, people across Mendip should feel empowered that they can implement simple and cost-effective measures which can quickly deliver savings.

"Whether residents opt for free, cost effective, or larger projects to improve the efficiency of their homes, even small measures will help to reduce monthly bills and carbon emissions."

Here are five top tips to save energy and money this winter:

1 Financial assistance

Money may be available for retrofitting measures such as cavity walls, external wall, underfloor and loft insulation, which could significantly improve a property's efficiency. Visit somersetenergysaver.co.uk/financial-help for more information.

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2 Draught-proof your home

Draught-proofing is one of the easiest, cheapest and most effective ways to reduce energy usage in the home, with strips and excluders readily available from most hardware stores. Pay attention to windows, doors and loft hatches, and work out where gaps could be letting cold air in. Be careful not to block any air bricks or vents that may be needed to circulate your properly, and for some boilers to work safely.

3 Swap in low-energy bulbs

Although it will require an initial outlay, swapping old halogen bulbs to energy-efficient LEDs can dramatically cut a home's electricity consumption and save money in the long run.

4 Choose energy-efficient new appliances

When the time comes to replacing electrical appliances such as TVs, laptops or kitchen white goods, pay close attention to the device's efficiency ratings. Ranging from A to G, the ratings can be found on most websites. The closer to A, the more efficient the device will be.

5 Service your boiler annually

Servicing your boiler once a year will allow it to work as efficiently as possible, for as long as possible. If your boiler is reasonably new, it is better to keep it well-maintained throughout its lifetime rather than replacing it early.

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According to BBC News, households will see average yearly energy bills rise from £1,971 to £2,500, as the new October energy price guarantee comes into effect.

Although energy-saving tips won't fully offset the 27% rise, the Somerset Energy Saver website can help residents reduce their energy usage as much as possible.

For more information, please visit: www.somersetenergysaver.co.uk.