Washing a small load of clothes? Check you washing machine’s settings to see if you can use the “half load” programme to save water and energy.

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

Are your heating costs literally going through the roof? Check to ensure you have 250-270 mm of loose roll loft insulation and top up if necessary.

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

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

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) only limit the maximum temperature areas reach. It is a common misconception that they change how quickly an area heats up. Don’t turn them up thinking the room will heat up quicker.

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

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

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.

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.