Expert recommends cheap boiler hack that could save Brits hundreds of pounds every year

The temperatures are fast dropping as autumn arrives, and millions of Brits around the nation will be starting to plan for the increased cost of heating their homes. In fact, with temperatures dropping uncomfortably close to freezing last week, those heating systems may go on earlier than expected.

While a hike in costs is inevitable as our boilers go on, an expert has divulged a simple home hack that can save hundreds of pounds - and it costs just £20. Well worth investing, especially in light of recent news that the energy price cap will be raised this autumn.

An expert from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, advised that one cheap product can be used to save a significant sum on heating bills.

Water cylinder jackets are simply insulation for your boiler's water cylinder  - trapping the heat inside and preventing wastage. DIY installation of a jacket starts from just £20, depending on the thickness of the material used. If you wanted to go even further, you could also insulate any external pipes to and from the boiler for a similar amount.

A jacket can be created from insulation and cut to the correct size, or some outlets also sell ready made jackets for this purpose. The amount you can save on your heating bill does depend on factors such as the size of your home and the location of your water cylinder - but it is likely to be vastly more than the cost of installing a boiler jacket. Jackets can also last many years, meaning that the savings mount up before a new one is needed.

Jack Coles, a heating specialist from MyBuilder.com, said: "Making sure you have a hot water cylinder jacket will help you save money on your bills. 

"Without insulation your cylinder is effectively a huge radiator, dispersing the heat from within and using energy to keep reheating it. Many homes across the UK have uninsulated hot water tanks which allow heat to escape.

"If you install a jacket you can reduce heat loss by over 75 per cent, saving up to £200 per year (based on the recent energy prices).

"Even if you already have a hot water cylinder jacket, you may want to check it is still in good working order and the correct thickness. If it's not, you should consider replacing it if it's less than 75mm thick or doesn't completely cover the tank all the way around."

Water cylinder jackets can be purchased from retailers with prices starting at just £20.