Gas prices have been rising for a number of years now, due to supply shortages among other factors, and savvy consumers have taken steps to reduce unnecessary gas usage in their homes to avoid receiving expensive energy bills. But has the way we use gas in our homes really been influenced by the change in prices?

The amount of gas used in homes is naturally influenced by a number of factors, including the size of the property and the number of occupants. A smaller property with one bedroom typically consumes around 10,000 kWh of gas per year, according to a recent survey, compared to 15,000 kWh for a two-bedroom property, 25,000 kWh for three bedrooms, 29,000 kWh for four and an additional 2,500 kWh for each additional room of the house.

Larger properties understandably require more gas usage, as there is a larger interior to heat and typically larger quantities of hot water needed for everything from baths and showers to dish washing and laundry. Although consumers rely on gas throughout the year for such purposes - as well as for cooking, if the property's kitchen features gas appliances - there are also certain times of the year when gas consumption tends to be much greater, particularly during the colder winter months.

So how can you avoid your gas bills burning a hole in your pocket during the chilly part of the year? You could follow the example of many other gas customers who are increasingly embracing energy saving measures in their homes to reduce the amount of gas they consume, and to make sure their heating power goes further.

Insulating your property can be the best method of reducing heat loss in the winter and improving ventilation in the summer, and if you live in an older home you may not already have insulation installed. Because hot air rises, lofts are key candidates for insulation, preventing heat from escaping through the roof, and insulations can also be fitted within your wall cavities to keep your rooms warmer.

A similar step to take in older properties is to ensure windows are double glazed to avoid too much heat escaping. Many modern properties are already equipped with double glazing, and it's relatively easy to determine the glazing in your property by sight alone. By investing in such energy saving measures today, you could instantly enjoy big savings on your household gas bills.

Daniel Collins writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.