Thermal or heavy blinds and curtains can help trap heat and reduce draughts. Close them at night to reduce heating bills.

Use a microwave. Generally a microwave oven is the most efficient way to heat up and cook food.

Hanging out clothes to dry will save you energy and money over using a tumble drier.

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.

Properly used, dishwashers use less water and energy than washing dishes by hand. However, make sure you only wash full loads and don’t pre-rinse everything in the sink first unless it really needs it.

Check the programmer on your heating and hot water to make sure the timings match your needs. If you don’t have a seven-day programmer fitted consider getting one.

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) only limit the maximum temperature areas reach. It is a common misconception that they change how quickly an area heats up. Don’t turn them up thinking the room will heat up quicker.

Make the most of your oven. Filling an oven and batch cooking meals can save energy and money. If you share your home with others, planning meals and eating collectively can help build relationships whilst saving both energy and money.

A dripping tap can waste at least 5,500 litres of water a year. If this is hot water you’re also wasting the energy used to heat it. Get leaking taps fixed promptly.