Save £500 on your energy bills this winter by doing one cleaning job

As the chillier weather arrives, you might notice your energy bills creeping up even more, particularly once it's time to switch the heating back on. But according to specialists, one household chore could slash your bills by as much as £500 annually - and it requires just five minutes of your time.

DIY specialist Glen Peskett from circular saw supplier Saxton Blades has disclosed that cleaning your refrigerator coils, a swift task most homeowners never consider doing, will assist in keeping energy expenses down.

He said: "Fridge coils are hidden away at the back or underneath, so most people don't even realise they're there, let alone that they get clogged up with dust.

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"When they're dirty, your fridge has to work much harder to keep food cold, which means it's using more electricity and costing you more money.

"Autumn is the ideal time to give your fridge coils a clean. With colder weather and heating season just around the corner, tackling it now means your fridge will run more efficiently, helping to cut bills and extend its lifespan."

Whilst cleaning refrigerator coils is a frequently overlooked task when thoroughly cleaning your house, it requires only a few minutes and is certainly worthwhile if it can provide you with an additional £500 to spend on your festive shopping.

How to clean your fridge coils

Begin by switching off and disconnecting your refrigerator. Next, find the coils, which are typically located at the rear or beneath and behind a grille.

Hoover away any dust using a brush attachment, then carefully wipe down with a cloth.

Once you've finished cleaning the coils, simply put the panel back in place, plug your fridge back in and switch it back on.