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!

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Electric storage hot water units use energy all the time they are switched on. Consider fitting them with time switches so they are only working when they are needed.

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.

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