Homeowners are set to get a big shock when their winter fuel bill pops through the letterbox, as the cost of heating a property has risen by 63 per cent in the last five years.

Research by energy comparison site uSwitch found average heating bills have gone up from £360 in 2007 to £587 today, an average of £45 each year.

Of the average £1,134 families shell out for their energy consumption over 12 months, heating accounts for around 44 per cent of the total, which could lead householders to choose alternative ways of heating and lighting their abode.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch, commented: "This increase has knocked consumers for six, leaving many fearful of how they will afford to keep warm during the winter months and leading to growing numbers rationing their energy use even during the harshest weather.

"Recent price hikes from energy suppliers will add £753 million onto energy bills and push 314,000 households into fuel poverty. Many households will feel that they have little choice but to turn their heating down or off, and by doing so risk gambling with their health."

This was the course of action taken last year by three quarters of consumers surveyed, and Ms Robinson believes this figure is set to rise over the next few months.

However, she pointed out that there are plenty of ways in which householders can cut their energy bills without compromising their wellbeing or quality of life. These could include replacing old lights with energy efficient LED bulbs and installing draught excluders on doors and windows.

"There are many low-cost or free insulation offers available that will make homes more energy efficient and there is currently over £300 difference between the cheapest and most expensive energy tariffs on the market," Ms Robinson added.

Meanwhile, Greenwisebusiness reports that the government is in the process of coming up with a number of new financial incentives that would reward householders and businesses for cutting their energy consumption.