OTTAWA — Canada got back in the win column at the world junior hockey championship. It wasn't pretty. Oliver Bonk, Caden Price and Mathieu Cataford, into the empty net, scored as the wobbly host country picked up an unconvincing 3-0 victory over Germany on Sunday. Carter George made 25 saves to register the goaltender's second straight shutout for the Canadians, who were coming off Friday's stunning 3-2 upset loss to Latvia in a shootout. Nico Pertuch stopped 33 shots for Germany, which dropped its Group A opener at the men's under-20 tournament to the United States 10-4 before falling 3-1 to Finland. Canada entered with a 17-0 record all-time and a combined 107-26 score against Germany at the world juniors, including last year's 6-3 victory in Gothenburg, Sweden, and an 11-2 drubbing at the 2023 event in Halifax. Despite another sub-par performance, the victory sets up a New Year's Eve matchup against the U.S. for first place in the pool after the Americans fell 4-3 to the Finns in overtime earlier Sunday. Canada suffered one of the powerhouse nation's worst defeats in tournament history Friday when Latvia — outscored 41-4 in four previous meetings at the event — shocked the hockey world. And while the plucky Latvians were full marks for their victory, the Canadians were largely disjointed and surrendered the middle of the ice for long stretches despite firing 57 shots on goal. There was more of the same Sunday. Head coach Dave Cameron made a couple of changes to Canada's lineup — one out of necessity and another for tactical reasons. With star defenceman Matthew Schaefer, who could go No. 1 at the 2025 NHL draft, out of the world juniors after suffering an upper-body injury against Latvia, Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio drew in. Cameron also sat forward Porter Martone in favour of Carson Rehkopf. Canada opened the scoring on the power play, which also had a new look after going 1-for-7 through the first two games, when Bonk scored from his normal bumper position in the slot off an Easton Cowan feed at 9:40 of the first period. Sam Dickinson then chimed a one-timer off the post on another man advantage before George, who was in goal for Canada's 4-0 opener against the Finns, made a couple of stops on the penalty kill inside a red-clad Canadian Tire Centre. Petruch made a big stop off Tanner Howe in the second before also denying Calum Ritchie from the slot on a power play, but the Canadians again looked completely out of sorts against what was a decidedly inferior opponent on paper. Berkly Catton hit another post for Canada early in the third. Tanner Molendyk also found iron. Unable to register a 5-on-5 goal against either Latvia or Germany through more than 120 minutes of action, Price scored on a shot that caromed off the end boards and went in off Pertuch with 4:58 left in regulation to make it 2-0 before Cataford iced it into the empty net on another nervy night for the 20-time gold medallists. LATVIAN REACTION The U.S. beat Latvia 5-1 on Saturday, less than 24 hours after the Europeans' upset of Canada. American captain Ryan Leonard said the Latvians were impressive — even on short rest. "That team's no joke," said the Washington Capitals prospect. "You can't really treat anyone different, especially in this short of a tournament." UP NEXT Germany will meet Latvia on Monday in a crucial game at the bottom of the Group A standings. Canada now turns its attention to Tuesday's clash against the U.S. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2024. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
— BIRTH NAME: James Earl Carter, Jr. — BORN: Oct. 1, 1924, at the Wise Clinic in Plains, Georgia, the first U.S. president born in a hospital. He would become the first president to live for an entire century . — EDUCATION: Plains High School, Plains, Georgia, 1939-1941; Georgia Southwestern College, Americus, Georgia, 1941-1942; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 1942-1943; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, 1943-1946 (class of 1947); Union College, Schenectady, New York, 1952-1953. — PRESIDENCY: Sworn-in as 39th president of the United States at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 20 days on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. — POST-PRESIDENCY: Launched The Carter Center in 1982. Began volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in 1984. Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Taught for 37 years at Emory University, where he was granted tenure in 2019, at age 94. — OTHER ELECTED OFFICES: Georgia state senator, 1963-1967; Georgia governor, 1971-1975. — OTHER OCCUPATIONS: Served in U.S. Navy, achieved rank of lieutenant, 1946-53; Farmer, warehouseman, Plains, Georgia, 1953-77. — FAMILY: Wife, Rosalynn Smith Carter , married July 7, 1946 until her death Nov. 19, 2023. They had three sons, John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff); a daughter, Amy Lynn; and 11 living grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Source: Jimmy Carter Library & MuseumArgentina’s Racing wins its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil’s Cruzeiro 3-1AP News Summary at 3:40 p.m. EST
With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Mr Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%. Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on January 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Mr Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned that “this was just a first run”. “Let’s not be triumphant, let’s be realistic, firmly on the ground,” he said. “We must fight all over again. It’s not over till it’s over.” Mr Milanovic, the most popular politician in Croatia, has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, the 58-year-old has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has been a recent hallmark of Croatia’s political scene. Mr Plenkovic has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and Nato. He has labelled Mr Milanovic “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him (Mr Primorac) and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme commander of the military. Mr Milanovic has criticised the Nato and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, thought it is a member of both Nato and the EU. Mr Milanovic has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a Nato-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war”. His main rival in the election, Mr Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East”. However, his bid for the presidency has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and which featured prominently in pre-election debates. Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudic, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a snap parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.
Roar’s Mysterious Twins Rewrite A-League History with Unforgettable Performance
Via Renewables, Inc. ( NASDAQ:VIASP – Get Free Report ) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, October 16th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 1st will be paid a dividend of 0.7185 per share on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $2.87 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 12.19%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. Via Renewables has increased its dividend by an average of 10.8% per year over the last three years. Via Renewables Stock Down 0.2 % Shares of Via Renewables stock opened at $23.58 on Friday. Via Renewables has a twelve month low of $16.00 and a twelve month high of $24.35. The firm’s 50-day moving average price is $22.01 and its 200 day moving average price is $21.46. About Via Renewables Via Renewables, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates as an independent retail energy services company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Retail Electricity and Retail Natural Gas. The Retail Electricity segment engages in the transmission and sale of electricity to residential and commercial customers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Via Renewables Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Via Renewables and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .BOSTON — Forty years ago, Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie rolled to his right and threw a pass that has become one of college football’s most iconic moments. With Boston College trailing defending champion Miami, Flutie threw the Hail Mary and found receiver Gerard Phalen, who made the grab while falling into the end zone behind a pair of defenders for a game-winning 48-yard TD. Flutie and many of his 1984 teammates were honored on the field during BC’s 41-21 victory over North Carolina before the second quarter on Saturday afternoon, the anniversary of the Eagles’ Miracle in Miami. “There’s no way its been 40 years,” Flutie told The Associated Press on the sideline a few minutes before he walked out with some of his former teammates to be recognized after a video of The Play was shown on the scoreboards. A statue commemorating Doug Flutie's famed "Hail Mary" pass during a game against Miami on Nov. 23, 1994, sits outside Alumni Stadium at Boston College. Famous football plays often attain a legendary status with religious names like the "Immaculate Reception," the "Hail Mary" pass and the Holy Roller fumble. It’s a moment and highlight that’s not only played throughout decades of BC students and fans, but around the college football world. “What is really so humbling is that the kids 40 years later are wearing 22 jerseys, still,” Flutie said of his old number. “That amazes me.” That game was played on national TV the Friday after Thanksgiving. The ironic thing is it was originally scheduled for earlier in the season before CBS paid Rutgers to move its game against Miami, thus setting up the BC-Miami post-holiday matchup. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie rejoices in his brother Darren's arms after B.C. defeats Miami with a last second touchdown pass on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami. “It shows you how random some things are, that the game was moved,” Flutie said. “The game got moved to the Friday after Thanksgiving, which was the most watched game of the year. We both end up being nationally ranked and up there. All those things lent to how big the game itself was, and made the pass and the catch that much more relevant and remembered because so many people were watching.” There’s a statue of Flutie winding up to make The Pass outside the north gates at Alumni Stadium. Fans and visitors can often be seen taking photos there. “In casual conversation, it comes up every day,” Flutie said, when asked how many times people bring it up. “It brings a smile to my face every time we talk about it.” A week after the game-ending Flutie pass, the Eagles beat Holy Cross and before he flew off to New York to accept the Heisman. They went on to win the 49th Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie evades Miami defensive tackle Kevin Fagan during the first quarter of a game on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami, Fla. “Forty years seem almost like incomprehensible,” said Phalen, also standing on the sideline a few minutes after the game started. “I always say to Doug: ‘Thank God for social media. It’s kept it alive for us.”’ Earlier this week, current BC coach Bill O’Brien, 55, was asked if he remembered where he was 40 years ago. “We were eating Thanksgiving leftovers in my family room,” he said. “My mom was saying a Rosary in the kitchen because she didn’t like Miami and wanted BC to win. My dad, my brother and I were watching the game. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody remembers where they were for the Hail Mary, Flutie pass.” Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Ireland blamed Northern Ireland Office for ‘damaging leaks’, records showTrump’s threat to impose tariffs could raise prices for consumers, colliding with promise for reliefArgentina’s Racing wins its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil’s Cruzeiro 3-1
ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Gaston Martirena and Adrian Martinez scored first-half goals as Argentina's Racing won its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil's Cruzeiro 3-1 in the final on Saturday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Gaston Martirena and Adrian Martinez scored first-half goals as Argentina's Racing won its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil's Cruzeiro 3-1 in the final on Saturday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Gaston Martirena and Adrian Martinez scored first-half goals as Argentina’s Racing won its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil’s Cruzeiro 3-1 in the final on Saturday. Martirena opened the scoring in the 15th minute and Martinez added a goal five minutes later to give “La Academia” its first international title since 1988 when it won the Supercopa Sudamericana. “Maravilla” Martinez scored 10 goals in 13 matches and finished as the top scorer in the competition. Roger Martinez sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th. Kaio Jorge scored in the 52nd for Cruzeiro. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer AdvertisementBrisbane Roar delivered a remarkable performance with an 8-2 victory against Western United in the A-League Women, driven by Laini Freier’s record-breaking display. Freier became the first player in league history to score back-to-back hat-tricks in her first two starts. The 23-year-old and her twin sister Sharn dominated the game, with Sharn scoring her first two goals of the season and assisting her sibling. This victory propelled Brisbane Roar to second place in the standings, overcoming a recent surge from Melbourne Victory. The match was a showcase of the Roar’s offensive prowess, with Momo Hayashi contributing a stunning free-kick goal, while Leia Varley also found the net with a header. Brisbane’s relentless attack left Western United overwhelmed, marking their largest defeat margin. The Freier twins, substituted shortly after the hour mark, had already left a significant mark on the game, highlighting their formidable partnership. Meanwhile, in another game, Canberra and Newcastle played to a goalless draw, with Michelle Heyman missing a key opportunity to secure a win for Canberra.
NDP will not support Liberal GST holiday bill unless rebate expanded: SinghThe ultimate five tricks energy experts use to keep heating costs down - including the way you can HALVE your bill By TOBY WALNE Updated: 22:47, 26 November 2024 e-mail View comments You may think that you’ve tried every trick in the book to keep your energy bills down and your home nice and warm as the temperature outside drops. But even if you’ve already insulated the loft and stopped every draught, there are still things you can do to make your home more energy efficient. Money Mail talks to the hands-on experts, from gas engineers to builders, for their practical tips that you may not have considered. Check your boiler’s pressure gauge Dom Roque, managing director of Dom’s Heating and Plumbing, recommends a few basic checks that you can do on your heating system to make sure it is in good shape. And an annual service from a professional, typically costing around £100, will be money well spent. Winter chills: Even if you’ve already insulated the loft and stopped every draught, there are still things you can do to make your home more energy efficient ‘An annual check helps spot problems – such as leaks and parts wearing out – before the boiler breaks down on Christmas Eve and you need an emergency call-out costing hundreds of pounds,’ he says. If you want to carry out a few simple checks yourself, the first step is to look at the pressure gauge on your boiler, says Dom. A modern pressurised boiler heating system typically reads between one and two bars when the boiler is on. If it’s any lower there may be a leak. The gauge is normally fitted on the outside of the boiler on the front of the unit – a circular dial the size of a small stopwatch. Look at this gauge, and if it is between zero and one put your ear to the boiler without touching anything and see if you can hear a slight hissing sound – indicating steam or water escaping the system. If you can hear that, then there may be a fault with a relief valve on the unit that needs to be replaced by a gas engineer. Also listen for a hissing sound coming from your radiators to check whether water or steam is escaping from them. If there is, you may be able to fix this yourself. At the top of each radiator should be a small valve with a square-shaped tap that can be tightened or loosened with a radiator key. These can be bought for around £2 from a hardware store. If there is a hiss you might turn it clockwise until it stops – and is closed. HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to save money on energy: What you need to know and energy-saving tips that work Don’t forget the hot water tank If you have a separate hot water tank in the airing cupboard, check if there’s an expansion vessel connected to it that needs repressurising. This is a metal cylinder about the size of a balloon that usually sits above, or to the side of, the hot water tank. It also acts as a relief valve. Containing both air and water, it takes in extra water when the tank and central heating system heats up and water expands – and releases it back again when it cools down. If it is not working properly then it might be full of water, and the only way the excess can escape is through an overflow pipe linked from the boiler to the outside of the house. You can identify the pipe outside your home to see if it is dripping. Details of the pressure required for the expansion vessel should be clearly marked on the side of the unit. If you have a modern bicycle pump that includes a pressure measurement gauge you might be able to pump the vessel back up to the required pressure level – but in most cases it is best left to the professionals. Do the radiators have cold spots? If your radiators are not warming up as usual and perhaps have cold spots near the bottom of them, this indicates they may contain sludge. Once fixed, your heating bill could be halved. It can be a messy job if you try sorting it out yourself, so it is best left to a qualified boiler expert who should have the equipment needed to clean out the radiators with a power flush. The equipment can sit outside the house. Dom says: ‘If your radiators are full of sludge, it makes them half as efficient – like boiling a pan of fresh water compared to one of mud. The latter can double heating bills.’ An occasional ‘power flush’ to your radiator system by a plumber costs around £300 – but Dom says it should pay for itself in a year. He adds that air in radiators can cause rust, so bleed them every year. You may be able to do this yourself. If you are not confident you can find practical guidance on YouTube. Other ways to stop winter burning a hole in your budget Ask your supplier for a refund: If you pay gas or electricity by direct debit, payments are usually based on an estimate of how much energy you use and may be higher than your actual consumption. It’s good to have a small buffer heading into winter, when you’re likely to use more energy. But you can ask your provider for a refund of any surplus. Go paperless: Some suppliers charge you for paper bills so go paperless to save cash if you can. Ovo Energy, for example, charges £1.50 each month for paper bills. Keep showers to four minutes: This can save you around £70 a year. Draw the curtains: Stitch thermal lining on to curtains – £10 per metre – and draw before sunset to keep warmth in to save £150 a year. Curtain shops such as Dunelm (dunelm.com) can provide further details. Turn thermostat down: Every degree you turn the thermostat down will cut bills by up to 10 per cent, knocking £145 a year off home heating. Be wary of going below 18c (64f), as this risks getting too cold. Put foil behind the radiator: Foil reflects heat back into the room to cut £120 off energy bills a year. A five-metre strip for five radiators costs £12. Check out DIY shops such as Screwfix for available options. Draught-proof windows and doors: Buy 20 metres of a door and window sticky-backed rubber seal for £24 and fix it around gaps to save up to £90 a year. DIY stores such as B&Q sell draught-proofing. Is there too much loft insulation? Builder Mike Edwards, 68, who began as a bricklaying apprentice more than half a century ago, fears too many homes fill any gap in their loft with insulation – which is a costly mistake. The co-founder of the website DIY Doctor says: ‘There is a misguided conception that a loft packed with insulation keeps bills down, when the opposite could be true. The roof space should be cool and draughty. Otherwise, hot air hitting the cold roof creates condensation that rots wooden joists and insulation gets damp.’ Mike suggests insulation should be 270mm thick – but not tightly packed down. If it is placed under boards in the attic there should also be a 50mm air space between the insulation and boards. You should leave a gap of at least 25mm between the insulation and eaves – the part of the roof that overhangs the wall of a house. Around 25 per cent of heat is lost through an uninsulated roof, so if done properly, it will save you at least £300 a year. Keep the heat in: Proper insulation is essential in any home - but too much can create condensation that rots wooden joists Put a jacket on an immersion heater This cylinder in the airing cupboard is rarely understood or used efficiently to keep energy bills down, believes Dom. He says: ‘Look at it as a giant kettle – with an electric heating element inside.’ There is no need to leave the immersion heater on all the time if you do not need hot water all day – as this can cost more money. Putting it on for just an hour before you need the hot water is enough time to warm it up. Dom says the cylinder must be well insulated – wrap it in a £20 jacket and ensure all connected pipework is also covered. This costs from £1 per metre of insulation, and should knock at least £50 a year off your heating bill. Dig out the instruction manual and make sure that the settings are providing warmth for the times that you need it. There is no need to leave it on when you are away for the day – perhaps at work – or on holiday. toby.walne@dailymail.co.uk Can you save money on energy bills? Check the best fixed deals When energy prices spiked most households slipped energy price cap tariffs, but it is now possible again to switch to fixed rate energy deals that can save you money. This is Money's recommended partner uSwitch lets you compare the best energy deals for you, based on your home and gas and electricity costs. > Compare the best energy deals with uSwitch* By entering your address and energy usage, you can search for energy deals that can cut your costs and suit how you live. 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