GET ready for winter with helpful advice from the Welsh Government’s Warm Homes Nest Scheme.

They have provided simple steps for people to keep their homes warm this winter and save money on their energy bills.

Tips include checking doors and windows for draughts, setting your central heating timer to heat your home only when you are there, turning off lights and appliances when not in use, don’t over heat your room – turning your thermostat down by one degree could cut heating bills by up to 10 per cent a year, fix leaking taps and making sure they are fully off – a dripping hot water tap wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath in a week and check that your energy supplier has you on the best deal or consider switching.

Lee Parry, Head of Nest, said “Many households struggle to heat their homes and worry about the energy bills. A few simple steps can help you keep warm and save money and Nest is here to help; over 68,000 people have called us for free advice in the past four years.

“Nest offers a wide range of support to help people heat their homes and reduce their energy bills. Over 17,700 householders across Wales have also received free home improvements from Nest over the last four years.”

If you’re eligible Nest can also provide free home improvements for people finding their home hard to heat and receive a means tested benefit. These may include a replacement boiler, central heating system or insulation.

Nest can be contacted on Freephone 0808 808 2244 or visit nestwales.org.uk for advice on reducing energy bills and to find out if you qualify for a package of home energy improvements.