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

Still using tungsten, halogen or fluorescent bulbs? Changing to LED lighting can save energy and money.

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

Spending one minute less in the shower each day will save up to £8 a year off your energy bills, per person. With a water meter this could save a further £11 off annual water and sewerage bills. If everyone in a four-person household did this it would lead to a total saving of £75 a year.

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.

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

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.

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.

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