The Telegraph’s Money Advice Editor on the energy price cap increase

What are the main criteria I should use when deciding on a new energy tariff? Eleni, East Midlands

There are three main criteria you need to think about. The first one is the type of tariff: either a fixed rate tariff, variable rate ones and separate ones for electric cars, heat pumps and so on.

Secondly, have a think about how involved you want to be. If you want to have a rate and know that that’s not going to change, a fixed rate is probably best. If you’re really engaged and love looking at your smart meter and the cost of energy as it goes up and down, maybe a time of use tariff would be good.

Thirdly, you’ll have to think about how the deal compares to the current price cap. Although no one has a crystal ball, listen to what the experts are saying. If you know that winter’s coming and energy is about to get more expensive, that’s something important to keep in mind.

How long should people have their boilers on for? Is an hour in the morning and evening enough? Julian, London

This depends on so many factors. You need to think about what your house is like. How cold is it? How long does it take to warm up? Are you going to be home for a lot of the day?

In general, if people are going out for work, they’ll put their heating on just before they get out of bed in the morning, and it’ll go off just before they leave.

Then when they’re on their way home, it is a good time for the heating to click on, so it’s nice and toasty when they get in.

Overall, it’s important to try and stay warm. A big bill is never fun but you need to look after yourself, so use your heating and put it on when you need to.

Is investing in solar power worth it? Colin, South East

This is such a big question. Solar panels are increasingly popular and they definitely can be worth it.

You have to be able to afford the initial outlay though, which can be several thousand pounds. Then, make sure that your roof gets a lot of sunlight, because that’s what’s making the energy.

If that’s the case, you can generate your own energy and thereby cut your bill. If you’re making quite a lot, then you can even sell some back to the national grid.