GADGETS TO SAVE YOU CASH

SWITCHING energy tariffs is a surefire way to slash your power bills. But these five quirky gadgets could also secure you some serious savings . . .

STURDY LETTERBOX

REPLACING your letterbox with an Ecoflap could help warm up a chilly hallway. It is designed to let post through easily, but then stay firmly closed, stopping any air from coming in (£27.99, ecoflap.co.uk).

CHIMNEY BLOCKER

IF YOUR fireplace is purely decorative, consider a Chimney Balloon to stop heat escaping. You place it just far enough up the chimney so it’s out of sight, then inflate it enough to block cold air getting through (from £17.50, chimneyballoon.co.uk).

FREE CHARGE

A PORTABLE, solarpowered charger can power up gadgets such as a mobile or laptop for free. Freeloader can power a smartphone for 18 hours (£ 15 to £ 50, various sizes, amazon.co.uk).

COLD SPOT

RADIATORS need to be bled on a regular basis to remove any air bubbles that might stop them heating up properly. If you are prone to forgetting, consider fitting an automatic bleed valve that will do the job for you (£7.75, amazon.co.uk).

TEA FOR ONE

TO REDUCE electricity bills, boil only the amount of water you need. The Philips HD4644 kettle (£30, amazon.co.uk) has a one-cup indicator. Meanwhile, temperature control kettles heat water to lower temperatures, using less power (£30, Asda).