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These three simple moves will help you save money on your power bills

When you’ve already turned down the thermostat it can be difficult to know how to slash your bills further

THE rising cost of energy is putting a strain on household budgets.

And when you’ve already turned down the thermostat and taken the TV off standby it can be difficult to know how to slash your bills further.

Keep costs down with these three tricks (Picture posed by model)
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Keep costs down with these three tricks (Picture posed by model)Credit: Getty Images

But these three very simple – and less well-known – tips can help you save money on gas and electricity.

1. Use a microwave

Learn to love your microwave (Picture posed by model)
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Learn to love your microwave (Picture posed by model)Credit: Getty Images

Changing the way you cook can have a dramatic impact on your bills.

Your oven is one of the most energy-gobbling devices in your home so switching to a microwave can help keep costs low.

Microwaves use up to 30 per cent less energy than traditional devices.

They also speed up the cooking process and they’re easy to clean.

But make sure you switch your microwave off at the wall when you’re not using it, so it isn’t left using electricity to power the clock.

2. Use your head

Get shower savvy (Picture posed by model)
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Get shower savvy (Picture posed by model)Credit: Getty Images

Power showers can use as much water in five minutes as it takes to fill an entire bath tub.

Energy-efficient shower heads, which cost under £20, can reduce the amount of water delivered by 50 per cent – while allowing you to still enjoy an invigorating wash.

A study by Which? found that a family of four could save over £70 a year by snapping up this nifty device.

3. Block your chimney

Dont blow your cash up the chimney Picture posed by models)
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Don't blow your cash up the chimney (Picture posed by models)Credit: Getty Images

An unblocked fireplace can mean you are, quite literally, blowing money up the chimney.

You could save a whopping £150 a year if you cap your chimney.

If you use it regularly in the winter, block the draught with an inflatable chimney balloon instead.

DIY draught-proof cracks around your windows, doors and skirting boards to save £35 a year, too.

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