AS HOUSEHOLDS across Ayrshire prepare for a 10 per cent hike to their energy bills, Home Energy Scotland has shared tips to save up to £330 a year.

Bills will rise across Scotland from October 1 as the price cap, set by the national energy regulator Ofgem, increases.

It means that people living in a typical detached house in South Ayrshire could expect to pay £2,400 annually on energy running costs once the price cap increase takes effect.

Meanwhile, in East Ayrshire, a typical semi-detached house could be paying £1,900 and a typical terraced house in North Ayrshire could face paying £1,700 per year.

Home Energy Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Energy Saving Trust to provide free, impartial and expert advice.

They have pulled together a series of tips that can help beat the bills by up to £330 per year.

If you are warm enough, try turning your thermostat down by one degree, which could save you around £90 a year.

According to the World Health Organisation, the lowest comfortable temperature for most people is between 18°C and 21°C. If you can go from 21 to 18 degrees, you could save £260.

Swapping to four-minute showers could save £25 a year per person, and switching appliances off instead of using standby and idle mode could save you £45 a year.

For more tailored advice, Home Energy Scotland’s local advisors can be contacted by free phone or email to discuss specific circumstances.

Home Energy Scotland’s website is packed with information on simple, low-cost actions that you can make at home to help save energy and reduce your energy bills.

The energy price cap refers to the maximum price that suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity. The new price cap will be effective from October 1 to December 31.

For more information and advice, call Home Energy Scotland for free on 0808 808 2282 or visit homeenergyscotland.org/contact.