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.

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

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

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

Spending one minute less in the shower each day will save up to £8 a year off your energy bills, per person. With a water meter this could save a further £11 off annual water and sewerage bills. If everyone in a four-person household did this it would lead to a total saving of £75 a year.

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!

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

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.

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.

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