With the recession still nipping at our heels and the onset of winter's bite, now is the perfect time to consider ways of saving money on your gas bill, a feat that is in fact easier than it might seem at first.

Firstly, check to see if your home is properly insulated. This is particularly important if you have recently moved into a new home or have a spacious attic. Also check if your gas supplier will subsidise any insulation work that might be necessary. In the UK, government grants are available for roof insulation schemes and although the initial outlay might be a touch costly, in the long run you will make significant savings by preventing heat loss.

Similarly, a major source of wasted heat is through badly fitted doors and windows. Imperfect seals or seals that have worn down over time let heat escape, which will only lead to you racking up hefty gas bills. Ensure that your window frames are tightly sealed and cut off drafts under door frames to keep the heat in.

Ensure that all of your appliances are working efficiently. All new appliances carry an efficiency rating, letting you know if they are suitably efficient for your home. Any broken or inefficient appliances can be a major drain on your gas savings.

If you are satisfied that your home is properly insulated, then you should also consider how much energy wastage occurs inside the house. For example, not every room in the house needs to be heated, especially the ones that you do not use regularly. Only heat the room you frequently spend time in. Additionally, check the timer on your gas heater to see if it turns off during the day; if you are out at work, then your home does not need to be heated. Indeed, you should have the gas heating turned off for any long periods of time when you are out of the house.

Consider turning down the heat a degree of two. It sounds a little bit like penny-pinching but it will save you money on your gas bill over time. Warmer clothing or heavier duvets for the evening will compensate for the slightly lower heat.

If you have been with your gas supplier for a particularly long time, go online to compare their prices and service rates with their competitors. If you're not satisfied, it's often possible to negotiate a more reasonable deal since gas suppliers are very keen to retain their customers.