Households urged to put cling film over their windows in November

Energy bills - and particularly heating costs - are a huge concern for millions of us at the moment. Naturally, the better your home is insulated, the more efficiently your heating system can warm your home, and the lower your energy bills will be.

The problem is that most forms of insulation are expensive to buy and can involve heavy-duty, intrusive construction work to install. At a time when budgets are squeezed, that just isn't viable for a lot of people. With this in mind, Stephen Hankinson, energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct, is urging UK households to adopt one simple tweak that could help trap more heat, without the need to turn up the heating.

It is recommended to focus on windows as they contribute to 20% of heat loss from a room. Making even small changes to insulate your windows can significantly impact your energy bills and the comfort of your home.

This is where cling film can make a difference, according to the expert. He explained: "Putting cling film on the inside of your windows may seem odd, but this creates an extra layer of insulation by trapping air between the glass and the plastic. It's also a much cheaper alternative to 'official' insulating films."

While it isn't as effective as a third pane of glass, it should net you some savings on your energy bills for a fraction of the cost of other insulation methods.

It will make the most difference in rooms with single-glazed windows, or rooms with a lot of windows like conservatories and orangeries.

Just take the time to measure out and clean the window first. You should also ideally apply the cling film on a dry, warm day to ensure the film adheres well.

To apply it, use a soft cloth or your hands to smooth out the cling film and ensure it sticks down well. Be gentle to avoid tearing the film.

Check the edges and surface of the cling film to ensure there are no gaps or loose areas - it should be tightly sealed and smooth to provide "the best insulation".