Energy saving tips

Install a smart meter. They tell you how much energy you are using so you can track your spend and don't get any nasty surprises.

Build up money on your account during the warmer months to help you through the colder months when you use more energy.

The extra money spent on heating your home during the colder months can really add up so keep a close eye on how you’re using it. The Energy Saving Trust say that by turning your thermostat down by just one degree could cut your heating bills by a whopping 10%!

If you have thermostatic valves on your radiators, turn them down in any rooms you don’t use that much. You’ll be amazed what a difference it can make to your bill at the end of the month. Keep your home at a constant temperature, ideally 18–21oC. This will help you stay warm and well and also help reduce your fuel bill.

Use your boiler and heating controls correctly, with the programmer set to match your needs. For example, setting your heating to come on half an hour before you get up in the morning could make a big difference to your energy costs.

Place draft excluders under all your doors and stick insulation strips around your windows. These will stop cold air from coming into the room while preventing any warm air from escaping. These can be bought cheaply in most DIY stores.

Never hang your washing on the radiators. This reduces the amount of heat available to warm up the room. Instead, hang your washing on a clothes airer in a warm, dry room.

Make sure your hot tap is always turned completely off. Ignoring the drip, drip, drip of a leaky tap wastes a lot of water and could really ramp up your bills.

Always cook food with the lids on. This saves heat and allows you to cook food faster using slightly lower temperatures, meaning you use less energy.

Never leave your TVs, computers or stereos on standby. By leaving that little red light on, you’re actually wasting a surprising amount of electricity. It’s much better for your wallet to turn them off at the wall - and much safer too! Read our guide to electrical safety for more advice.

Make sure you don’t overfill the kettle when making a cuppa. It might seem small but only boiling what you need will help save money and energy.

Turn off lights in rooms you’re not using. It’s a really easy thing to forget and can make all the difference to your bills at the end of the month.

If you're thinking of updating your appliances do it sooner rather than later. Replacing appliances with energy-efficient models can save you money in the long run.

Think about getting a water meter. This could reduce your water bill, but that's not the case for everyone. MoneySavingExpert have some good tips on cutting your water bills, and will help you decide if a water meter is for you.

Not an energy-saving tip, but just good advice - register for the Priority Services Register. This is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations. It could provide extra help, like large print bills, or more support during a power cut. Find out how to register on the Ofgem website.

Saving water is not just good for the environment it's good for your pocket. Many water suppliers provide customers with water-saving accessories. Find out if your water company provides these for free.

If you've moved to a new provider because your energy supplier has gone bust, you will not be on the same rate. This means it's time to compare rates with other providers and find the right one for you.

Get in touch with Home Energy Scotland or Local Energy Advice Partnership (England) for provide free independent advice.

If you were paying a debt to your old supplier you will still need to pay this back. The Citizens Advice website tells you what you should do next: Your energy provider has gone bust.

If you're not tied to your current provider check if switching can save you money. Companies like USwitch and Compare the Market can show you what else is available.

Home Energy Scotland or Local Energy Advice Partnership (England) can provide free independent advice.

Can't switch because of arrears? Contact your provider and ask to be put on the lowest rate.

Pre-payment meters are often the most expensive ways to pay for your energy, however they can help people to budget and ensure that they don’t get large bills. Switching is possible for pre-payment customers and this can save you money so is worth looking at.

Or make the move to a smart meter; you can move off pre-payment, keep an eye on how much you're spending and even switch tariffs remotely.

Using the same provider for gas and electricity, known as dual fuel, and paying by Direct Debit is usually the cheapest way to get your energy.