1. Insulate your loft
UK homes waste millions of pounds every year on heat that escapes through poorly insulated roofs and walls. With decent insulation, the average home could save around £160 a year.
So lay down some decent loft insulation and you'll soon see a difference.
2. Upgrade your boiler
Inefficient boilers can add more than £200 a year to your energy bills, so upgrading yours could be a great way to cut what you pay in the long term. It's also a great way to dramatically reduce your home's carbon emissions: boilers account for around 60% of the carbon dioxide emissions in a gas-heated home.
Boilers are rated on a scale of A to G, with A being the most energy efficient. If yours is at the lower end of the scale, investing in a new one could save you a packet over the long term.
3. Hang thick curtains and insulate your doors
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Hanging thicker curtains over windows will stop heat escaping and make your home much more snug, especially once the nights draw in.
You can also buy cheap stick-on insulation to run down the sides of draughty doors. It all adds up to a warmer home and lower bills.
4. Watch your energy consumption
Do you know how much energy you waste? A smart meter or energy monitor shows you, and many energy suppliers fit smart meters for free.
Put the display somewhere the whole family can see it, like the kitchen. Seeing what your energy use costs is a really good reminder to cut back, and families who can see what they use often save simply by cutting back.
5. Switch to a cheaper energy tariff
Make sure you are on the cheapest energy deal for you. You could use the savings to make your home more energy efficient.
One way householders can make a stand for the planet is by switching to a green energy tariff. Many suppliers offer these, matching the power you use with energy from renewable sources. They can cost more than standard tariffs, so compare prices first.
6. Consider solar panels
Solar panels let you generate some of your own heat or power. Solar thermal panels warm the water in your tank, reducing your overall bills.
Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity, and the Energy Saving Trust estimates the average home can provide around 40% of its power this way. If you generate electricity when you don't need it, you can sell it back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee.
Be careful with "free solar panel" offers, as some fraudsters take advantage of them. Solar panels work even when it's cloudy, so don't let the UK weather put you off.
7. Fit double glazing
If you don't yet have double glazing, you'll be amazed at the difference it can make to your annual energy bills.
The initial investment is fairly high, but double-glazed windows trap more heat inside your home, saving you money in the long term. They come in a variety of styles, so they don't have to spoil the look of your home. Look for energy-efficient ratings when choosing your windows.
8. Invest in an eco kettle
Do you boil a whole kettleful of water each time you fancy one cup of tea? Only heat what you need, or invest in an eco kettle; some use as much as 30% less power.
It's not just kettles. Choosing appliances like TVs and fridges based on their energy efficiency can make a big difference to your running costs, so finding the most efficient model is clearly a good idea.
9. Insulate your cavity walls
Uninsulated walls account for up to a third of the heat lost from your home. Filling cavity walls could save you up to £180 a year and reduce carbon emissions by a tonne.
A job like this doesn't come cheap, but grants are available to help with the cost. The Energy Saving Trust website explains the offers available in your area, and you can read about our free boiler and insulation grants.
10. Use a water-saving showerhead
We all know baths can be wasteful and a shower is the greener option, but just how green is your daily wash?
If you spend 20 minutes under a torrent of hot water, you're probably using more energy than you think. Some power showers use more water in five minutes than a whole bath. Fitting a water-saving showerhead cuts back on the water and energy you use.
Every little helps
Remembering to switch off lights and TVs does make a difference, so don't give up on habits like this. If everyone makes the effort, it adds up to a much larger impact.