Slash energy bills by up to 30 percent by reducing your home’s ‘phantom load’

In an exclusive interview with Expresss.co.uk, personal finance expert at , Amy Knight, revealed the “phantom load” you could be contributing to.

Whether you live in an all-electric home (typically warmed up with storage heaters and electric radiators) or use gas and electricity, the phantom load could add up to 30 percent more to your

Personal finance expert Amy said: ” consumed by appliances [regarded as the ‘phantom load’] on standby can add up to 30 percent to bills.”

Amy advised: “So diligently switching devices off at the socket can create savings over time.”

But that’s not the only piece of advice Amy provided; she also provided other top tips for slashing

When it comes to choosing your energy supplier, it’s worth taking the extra five minutes to check you’re on the most affordable tariff.

“Use price comparison websites to see which providers can offer the best energy price for your property,” Amy elaborated.

“If you’re worried about how you’ll afford the cost of heating your home this winter, contact your energy provider who has a duty to support vulnerable customers and households in financial difficulty.”

Did you know that LED lightbulbs, while slightly more costly upfront that normal lightbulbs, they “use up to 90 percent less energy and last 20 times longer”.

By simply switching all the lightbulbs in your home to LED bulbs, you could be saving up to £1,200 if there’s eight bulbs to switch.

“The lifespan of an LED bulb means you’ll continue benefiting from lower energy use for years to come,” Amy added.

Another top tip is to avoid cranking up the thermostat by simply fitting “draught-proof strips around windows and reflective foil behind radiators to direct heat back into the room”.

By minimising how much heat escapes your home, you can turn down the thermostat and reduce energy bills.