Energy saving tips

Covering your windows really helps to keep the heat in, especially if you choose curtains with an extra thermal layer. Make sure you close them as soon as it starts going dark.

When you cover a radiator, it has to work harder to reach the right temperature, wasting lots of energy. Choose an airer instead.

The padding in furniture can absorb heat without letting it circulate, causing your radiators to work harder to provide more warmth.

Control your heating from your phone. You can turn off the heating when you’re out and program the thermostat to keep the temperature just how you like it, always.

If you haven’t already, upgrade your old light bulbs to new LED bulbs. Each bulb you replace can save you around £9 a year, plus energy saving bulbs last longer.

Never leave a light on again. You can see what lights are on using your phone and flip the switch wherever you are. You’ll never have to get up to use the switch again.

If it’s on standby, it’s still costing you energy. Even though many TVs have energy saving settings, it’s still more cost effective to turn them off at the plug.

Like smart lights, smart plugs mean you can turn anything off at the plug with your phone, wherever you are. It’s a great way to monitor waste in your home.

It wastes money to only fill a washing machine half way. Look out for models with a half-load function, and be careful to choose a model that’s not too large for your needs.

It actually costs more to chill a fridge or freezer that’s half-empty. Empty plastic bottles or food containers are an easy way to fill space and reduce costs.

Unless there are bad stains, most clothing can be washed effectively at 30°.

Put all the large items at the back. If you put them at the front, water can’t get passed to items at the back, so they’ll stay a bit dirty.