Set your hot water thermostat at 55 to 60 degrees centigrade.

Make sure your hot water cylinder and pipes are all well insulated, check the loft insulation is of adequate thickness and is fitted neatly.

Don't waste heat by keeping your windows open when the heating is on and close curtains at dusk to keep the heat in.

Keep internal doors closed to reduce draughts and fix brush seals to exterior doors and letterboxes.

Fix shelves above and aluminium reflectors behind radiators to direct warm air into the room.

Take a shower - it takes a lot less water than a bath. If you have a power-shower be careful as they can use as much.

When buying new electrical appliances notice they are now rated for energy consumption, ask the salesperson about energy saving features.

Defrost your fridge / freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently. Fast build-up of ice may indicate a damaged door seal.

Wait until you have a full load for your washing machine or dishwasher, not a problem in most houses!

Try to use an outside line for drying clothes whenever possible. When using a tumble dryer clean the filter regularly and check any outside vent is clear. Only load clothes that have been spun out well.

Choose the correct pan for the food you are cooking, and the same sized element on the cooker hob; keep the lid on the pan.

Fill the kettle only to the level needed, de-scale in hard water areas.

Don't leave your TV & Video on standby - turn off at the main switch.

Use low wattage energy saving bulbs. They are more expensive to buy but last up to 10 times longer while using much less electricity.

If you have a dual rate electricity meter (economy 7) make use of it, set your appliances to come on at night. Night time electricity will cost around 1/3 of the day rate and reduce peak demand for the supplier.

Computers, ahh good for some things but check the energy saving features are set correctly. Shutdown between uses even if that new screensaver does look nice.

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