Draught excluders are a cheap way of cutting out the chill from poorly fitting doors and windows. Most are also easy to fit, a simple DIY task.

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.

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.

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

Only fill your kettle with the water you need. You will save both water and energy.

A dripping tap can waste at least 5,500 litres of water a year. If this is hot water you’re also wasting the energy used to heat it. Get leaking taps fixed promptly.

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

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.

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