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.

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

Insulate hot water pipes along their full length. Don’t waste the energy you have used to heat your hot water.

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

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.

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

If you need to use a tumble drier, make sure you use a full load and keep the lint filter clean. It will keep your machine working more efficiently saving energy while also reducing any risk of fire.

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.

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

Make sure your computers are programmed to shut down and save power when not in use. Most operating systems have built in power settings and the capability of being switched on or off remotely if required. If you need them on for network upgrades and backups, commit to running these on a specific schedule and build this into you power settings. You’ll be surprised how much energy you can save.