We may not be able to control oil and gas prices, but we can certainly affect the energy efficiency of our homes, having a knock-on effect on our gas bills. It tends to be old builds that are lacking in the insulation department. But the insulation found in new homes and apartments can all usually be improved upon.

So follow our list of cost-effective ways to shrink your gas bill this year:

Increase attic insulation

Your attic is one of the main heat loss hotspots around your home. But there's plenty you can do on you own to help reduce this heat loss. By adding an extra layer or two to your existing insulation you'll be helping to keep the heat in. Just make sure you buy firesafe insulation from a reputable trade supplier, and protect your hands, and your mouth from the insulating dust that can irritate the skin.

Insulate your windows and doors

More heat than you may suspect is lost through gaps around doors and window frames. The good news is that weatherstripping materials that stop these gaps are cheap and easy to apply. One piece of advice though is to do your weathersealing in temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so that the strips remain pliable. You should always apply the strips to completely dry and clean areas so that good contact is made and the weathersealing lasts for as long as possible.

Consider expansion foam

Most houses have little nooks and crannies that let heat escape. But by filling these wherever possible with expansion foam you'll be able to trap that heat, however small, and make a difference to your family's future fuel bills.

Watch out below!

Crawlspaces and basements often have a variety of little gaps and crevices through which heat can escape. The same insulation wool as used throughout the eves and attic of your home can be fitted by you in the basement. And expansion foam is a great product to use here to plug the smallest gaps of only an inch or two wide. The more gaps that are plugged the better, no matter how small.

As simple as a pair of curtains

A lot of heat can be lost through windows, but by using blinds or curtains you'll be able to trap the cold air, keeping your house warmer for longer. The thicker the blind or curtain, the more effective it will be.