Insulate hot water pipes along their full length. Don’t waste the energy you have used to heat your hot water.

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

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.

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

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!

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

Solid brick walls can be insulated internally or externally to reduce heat loss.

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.

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

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.