Save energy with your washing machine. Modern washing powders often let you achieve the same results with lower temperatures.

Giving your plants’ roots a good soaking once or twice a week in dry weather is much better than lightly watering them every day because most of that water just evaporates away. However, new plants do need regular watering until they are established.

Smart controls can help ensure your home is comfortable and energy efficient.

Think before your print. Reducing the amount of material you print has a long list of benefits including saving paper, chemicals and electricity. More and more offices and industries are going paper free, so think about how you can reduce any printing you do.

Smart meters help you track your energy use in pounds and pence. They can help educate you and your family to reduce your energy bills.

Use the sun to reduce your heating bills. Leave internal doors open to rooms which trap the sun so the heat can spread to other areas.

Cavity wall insulation can help prevent heat loss through your walls. Consider getting this retro-fitted if you still have uninsulated walls.

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

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

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