Read the S&G energy saving tips for useful advice on how to lower your gas and electricity bills.

British Gas reports that the British public wastes about five billion pounds worth of energy every year. The average household could save up to £200 annually on their energy bills. So to save on gas and electricity costs check out our helpful hints:

• Invest in a lagging jacket for your hot water tank and insulate pipes - this will pay for itself in a few months with the money saved.
• Turning your thermostat down by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. And if you're going away for winter, leave the thermostat on a low setting to provide protection from freezing at minimum cost. This can save about £30 per year.
• Replace light bulbs with energy saving versions: just one can reduce your lighting costs by up to £78 over the lifetime of the bulb.
• Is your hot water too hot? For most, setting the thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing.
• Don't leave the fridge door open longer than necessary and defrost freezers regularly.
• When cooking leave saucepan lids on as this will allow you to turn down the heat.
• Don't use more water than you need when boiling a kettle as it takes much more electricity to boil a full kettle each time than just enough water to cover the element.

Visit the Save & Generate Blog on the Real Homes Magazine web site for more handy tips on how to save energy at home.