Using lids on your pans when cooking will save energy and help heat the contents quicker.

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Every year in the UK it kills around 50 people and sends 4000 to A&E for emergency treatment. Make sure you get all your combustion appliances properly serviced and fit an alarm. Good quality alarms are available from most DIY suppliers and take minutes to fit. It could save your life!

Save energy with your washing machine. Modern washing powders often let you achieve the same results with lower temperatures.

Keeping extract fans and vents clean and clear from obstruction reduces energy use and makes then work more efficiently.

If you need to use a tumble drier, make sure you use a full load and keep the lint filter clean. It will keep your machine working more efficiently saving energy while also reducing any risk of fire.

If your charger has an LED to show it’s in use, it is still using energy until you switch it off at the wall or unplug it.

Use the sun to reduce your heating bills. Leave internal doors open to rooms which trap the sun so the heat can spread to other areas.

Draught excluders are a cheap way of cutting out the chill from poorly fitting doors and windows. Most are also easy to fit, a simple DIY task.

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) help ensure your heating is evenly distributed where you need it. Check them to make sure they are set properly so each area reaches the temperature you need and gets no hotter.

Remember to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth – a running tap wastes over 6 litres per minute.