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

Boiling food on the hob? Only use the water you need to save energy.

Make sure your pans fully cover the rings on your hob to use all of the heat being provided. Use the right sized ring for the pan you are heating.

When cooking you can often use the residual heat to to save energy if you switch your cooker off just before you finish cooking. However, you still need to make sure that your food is properly cooked through.

Switch off radiators in any rooms you are not using regularly and keep internal doors shut to save energy.

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

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

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.

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.

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