AS winter is creeping up and our energy bills are making our eyes water – many households are understandably getting worried about how they will afford to heat their homes this winter.

New Prime Minister Liz Truss' price cap is obviously welcomed news as prices were expected to rise to an average of £3,500 per year according to Ofgem.

But families will still be struggling to keep up with the cost which has increased by 52% since last year.

Fortunately, a thrifty mum reveals to Fabulous how to keep yourself and the house warm without having to fork out hundreds on energy costs.

Mum-of-two, Heidi Ondrak, 51, from Devon, UK, was stunned when her energy bills increased to over £200 a month – and decided to do anything she could to cut her bill back.

Here, she tells Fabulous how you can do the same before the winter months come rolling in.

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Insulate your windows

Most of us have a roll of cling film lying around the kitchen but it isn't just for wrapping our food up.

The money-saving mum recommends using cling film or bubble wrap to help insulate your windows and keep the hot air inside.

She said: "My mum used to use cling film over the windows when we were young, it helps with the draft and insulate them.

The extra layer of insulation on your windows will help stop you from losing heat."

Another cheap alternative to ensure you're not inviting the cold air in is to grab some silicone sealant and go over the sealant on your windows to ensure there is no draft coming in.

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Move your furniture

Most people have their furniture next to walls, but the money-saving mum explains it's worth moving them in the winter, especially if they're pressed against the radiator.

Heidi explains: "People often put sofas in front of the radiator, but we move them forward so the radiator isn't just heating the back of our sofa."

Moving the sofas from the walls ensures your radiator circulates the heat properly.

Not only that but moving the sofa from exterior walls means you won't feel the draft coming through as much.

Draft stoppers

Anyway you can keep heat in is going to save you money, One of the bests ways to do that says Heidi is buying draft excludes for the bottom of doors.

She adds that you can pick them up for as little as £1 in car boot sales or in charity shops.

Another way to prevent heat from escaping is by making sure your family is keeping the doors closed at all times.

The savvy mum adds: "Something as silly as shutting the doors helps, I've got kids and they walk from room to room and every door is open in the house but shutting the doors keeps the heat in those rooms."

Hot water bottles

An oldie but a goodie, especially if you don't want to fork out on an electric blanket.

Hot water bottles are a great way to instantly make you warmer.

We tend to lose body heat through our feet and head the quickest, curling up with a hot water bottle by your feet will keep you warm without turning the heating on.

"Primark do a selection every year, and you can find them in Wilko's for a cheap price," explains Heidi.

Calor gas heater

Although calor gas heaters are pricey bought brand new, you can often find them second-hand on places like Facebook Marketplace and at car boot sales says Heidi.

The savvy mum revealed it costs just £1 to run an hour, a much cheaper option than turning your central heating on.

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To get your energy costs down, you can check out sust-it to see how much each of your appliances is guzzling up costs.

"For me, it's about making informed choices and taking control in a situation I've got no control in," reveals Heidi.

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