Shopping around to see if there's a cheaper energy tariff available is not a winter priority for most of us, according to new research.

Energy regulator Ofgem found less than a quarter of us (23%) were planning to see if we could cut our energy bills.

Instead, the top winter switching habits were changing to thicker duvets and winter clothing.

That’s despite the fact that switching energy supplier could mean a saving of up to £200 off an annual gas and electricity bill.

Very sensibly, almost half (49%) of those surveyed said if they had an extra £200 they would put it in a savings account.

With winter price rises a far more depressing end of year ritual, now is a good time to shop around, particularly if you’re coming to the end of a fixed tariff.

[Related story: More pensioners to get energy bill help]

Ofgem has introduced a Confidence Code for energy price comparison websites that ensures they provide a genuine, whole-of-market comparison. This means they display results from both the ‘Big Six’ – British Gas, EDF, E.ON, npower, Scottish Power and SSE – and smaller, independent suppliers.

Lovemoney’s energy comparison service is one of 11 fully compliant with this Confidence Code.