LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 10/05/12 -- Household bills are soaring and the cost of gas and electricity prices is expected to rocket over the winter months, pushing many to financial breaking point.

Shockingly, energy bills are expected to jump between 50% and 100% by 2020, which could have a dramatic impact on household finances.(i) Already big six energy supplier SSE has stated they will be hiking bills by 9% in October.

Keeping energy bills down during the winter can be tough as cold weather sets in, but there are a few measures you can take to reduce their bills. Asda Money provides some top tips on how to reduce your gas bill this winter.

1. Turn down the heating

Many might recoil in horror at the thought of turning down the heating during a British winter, but turning it down just one degrees could significantly reduce your annul gas bill. Turning the thermostat down one degree could save around GBP 55 a year on fuel bills.(ii) If you feel the chill, put on a few extra layers and drink plenty of hot drinks to keep your body warm. You might also want to turn off the heating overnight and wrap up with a high tog duvet.

2. Switch suppliers

One way to instantly reduce your gas bill could be to switch to a more cost effective tariff. You might not be on the best energy deal for your circumstances and could save hundreds of pounds by switching suppliers. There are a number of energy firms to choose from, however the market is highly competitive and the 'big six' supply the majority of energy to UK households.

3. Insulation

A well insulated home is a happy home. A lot of heat can be lost if your home is not insulated properly and as heat rises, a quarter of heat is lost through the roof(iii). By insulating your loft, attic or roof, you could effectively reduce your gas bills. Double-glazing is another option worth considering, as heat could be lost through windows.

You can keep your home insulated during the winter months by keeping curtains closed, regardless if you have double glazing or not as this could also help to prevent heat escaping.

But with all of our energy bills likely to rise in the coming months, now could be the best time to compare energy prices and switch to a better tariff.

Notes to editors

(i)Source: Engeryhelpline GOVERNMENT GREEN TAXES ADD GBP 2 BILLION+ ONTO UK ENERGY BILLS 30/08/12

(ii) Source: Energy Saving Trust Thermostats and controls

(iii)Source: Energy Saving Trust Roof and loft insulation

About Asda Energy Compare & Save

--  Customers can save up to GBP 346(i) per year 
--  All UK suppliers are compared 
--  94% of customers can save(ii) 
--  Switching could take as little as 7 minutes(1)

(i)       At least 10% of customers who used energyhelpline (providers of   
          Asda Energy Compare & Save service) to switch their gas and       
          electricity between 01/01/2011 - 01/03/2012 saved GBP 346 a year  
          or more.                                                          
                                                                            
(ii)      Based on over 100,000 people comparing their energy with          
          energyhelpline between 29/03/2012 - 11/05/2012.                   
                                                                            
(1)       At least 10% of customers who used energyhelpline (providers of 
          Asda Energy Compare & Save service) to switch their gas and       
          electricity between 01/08/2011 - 23/02/2012 took 7 minutes or less
          to complete the switch application.                               

Asda Energy Compare & Save is provided by energyhelpline. energyhelpline is a free and impartial independent price comparison service. Fully accredited by Consumer Focus, energyhelpline.com compare all suppliers in the UK to help you find the cheapest energy deal.