Lidl claims their £6.99 thermal window foil could save the average family over £100 on their heating bill
The device works by providing an additional layer through which heat has to escape
WITH snow continuing to rain down on the UK, families are looking for easy and cost-effective ways to keep their homes warm.
Lidl has released a £6.99 thermal window foil they claim could save the average family over £100 on their heating bills - but is it any good?
The device, which will be available in stores from 19 January 2017, works by providing an additional layer through which heat has to escape.
Lidl claims that heat-saving foil means that single-glazed windows are taken to the resistance levels of double-glazed, and double to triple glazed.
It also says that the annual average energy bill will be cut by 13 per cent - if they install the foil on all the windows in their home.
This is based on the house having eight windows and spending an average of £1,000 on gas and electricity per year.
Draught excluders are a simple and cheap way to insulate your home - but they shouldn't be the only way you can save money off your bills.
“Draught excluders for doors can make an instant difference, but you can also buy simple draught-proofing kit from most DIY stores and easily fit it yourself,” a spokesperson from comparison website Moneysupermarket.com said.
“For example, you can block cracks in floors and skirting boards, line your letterbox and block an unused chimney."
HOW TO GET HELP IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING TO PAY GAS AND ELECTRICITY BILLS
IF you're struggling to pay your gas and electricity bills then you might be able to get extra help. WINTER FUEL DISCOUNT The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual one-off payment to help you pay for heating during the winter. Anyone born on or before 5 January 1953 can get it, even if you live in the UK or another eligible country. For more information COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS Cold Weather Payments are one-off payments to help you pay for extra heating costs when it’s very cold. You’ll get a payment each time the temperature drops below a specific temperature for a set period of time. For more information . WARM HOME DISCOUNT SCHEME You might be able to get £140 off your electricity bill under the discount scheme if you're on a low income or get the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit. For more information . GET EXTRA HELP FROM YOUR SUPPLIER If you're in debt then you might be able to get extra help from your supplier. For more information .
The Energy Saving Trust also agreed that draught-proofing devices are cheap and most effective ways to save energy and money.
An expert told The Sun Online that families could make savings anywhere between £25 to £275 per year depending on the age and size of your home.
“If you don't have double glazing then you can even buy plastic lining for your windows that helps keep more heat in.”
But the most simple way to cut your energy bills is by switching supplier. Anyone on a standard tariff (usually the most expensive) could cut their bills by up to £400 a year, just by switching.
Some energy firms even offer free insulation to some low-income households. This includes free loft insulation and cavity wall insulation, as well as discounts on boilers if yours breaks.
For more information on free insulation visit or .
HOW TO GET CHEAPER GAS AND ELECTRICITY
THE cost of your energy bill will vary based on your postcode and usage.
If you've never switched before - or are on a standard tariffs - then you could save as much as £400 off your annual bill.
If you switch regularly, then the savings are usually smaller - around £50 a year.
If you don't switch at the end of a fixed energy deal then your costs could go up dramatically.
Sites such as, uSwitch.com, GoCompare.com or Energyhelpline.com are a good place to start. You’ll need a recent bill and details about who supplies your energy to get an accurate comparison.
Lidl has also released a Powerfix Infrared Thermal Thermometer that it claims indicates where windows, doors and insulation are losing heat, as well as efficiently locating thermal leaks and cold bridges.
The device, priced at £12.99, has three sensitivity levels and a temperature measurement range from -50c to +380c.
But this isn't the first time Lidl has helped budget-savvy shoppers.
The German supermarket has recently unveiled a price-friendly gymwear line, and an at-home laser home removal kit that is £200 cheaper than the leading alternative.