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A financial freeze due to climbing energy bills can be thawed out if people follow the advice of one consumer website.

Such is the assertion of uSwitch.com, which states that switching from a standard to an online payment plan could see new customers save an average of £170.

Home improvements such as loft insulation with a depth of at least ten inches is another way that people can slash their home heating bills, the website claims.

But taking out a loan to pay for work on a property could be a wise move for those without the household coffers to cut their bills in the long term.

Secured loans - which could be paid into an account the same day - could provide the cash boost for those looking to get underway with their home improvements.

"You should also talk to your supplier to see if they can help you with a grant or funding towards more expensive energy efficiency steps such as insulating your home or getting an energy-efficient boiler," advises Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com.

Meanwhile, the Land Registry recently discovered that November's average house price of £161,883 represents a 1.9 per cent drop from October.