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.

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

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

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.

Fit a water butt to collect rainwater. Your roof collects about 85,000 litres of rain each year (around 450 butts full). That’s water you can use for your plants and to wash the car, and it’s free!

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

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