Litter belongs in bins! Stuffing litter behind radiators not only prevents them working efficiently but can also be a fire risk.

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.

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

Make sure your radiators are clear so they can heat the space efficiently. Curtains or furniture can easily block them.

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.

When was the last time you switched energy supplier. Regularly changing to the right tariff can save you money by reducing your energy costs. If you rent a property and pay the energy bills yourself the law says you should be able to choose your own energy supplier.

Still using tungsten, halogen or fluorescent bulbs? Changing to LED lighting can save energy and money.

Make sure you get your boiler properly serviced every year by a competent person. It will keep you warm, safe and make sure it is working efficiently.

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

Some vulnerable people need to keep their homes warmer than normal. However, most of us can save money and energy by dressing for the weather and putting on a jumper before turning up the heating.