Insulation
Upgrading loft and, where possible, cavity wall insulation can also be pumped in. This will save energy in your home by reducing energy losses through the building fabric.

Switch supplier
In the current rising trend of energy prices it could well be worth shopping around to save money on your energy bills, further discounts are available if you switch both gas & electricity to the same supplier. It is a simple process and there is no disruption to your existing energy supply.

Fridges/Freezers
These are the most hardworking appliances in the home. Avoid putting Warm or Hot Foods in the fridge, let them cool down first. Don't leave the Fridge or Freezer door open, this means the fridge uses more energy to cool itself back down due to the cool air lost opening the door.

Tumble Driers
Tumble driers are energy guzzlers so try to use washing lines or airers. Don't put very wet clothing into the dryer, make sure you wring clothing out or spin dry again to help use less energy.

Appliances
When purchasing kitchen appliances such as fridges, freezers, dishwashers and washing machines, opt for a more energy efficient appliance. An EU Energy Label should be displayed (A to G Scale) on appliances for sale in order to help you make a choice, "A" being the most efficient and "G" being the worst guzzler for energy.

TV, HiFi & Computers
Switch off your TV, video and Hi-Fi at the set. Standby can use as much as 10%-60%of the electricity that would be used by the device if it was switched on. Also don't forget to turn your Computer monitor off, as it too wastes electricity if left on.

Heating
Turning the thermostat down by just 1°C can cut as much as 10% off your heating bills. You can also save on running costs by heating your home for an hour less each day.

Curtains
At night, pull the curtains to stop heat being lost through the windows. Take care not to drape curtains over radiators as this will funnel heat straight out of the windows.

Kettles
Heat the amount of water you really need and if you're using an electric kettle, make sure you cover the elements. More modern kettles have no visible element so you use less water, you could also try to fill a cup and use it as a guide to fill the kettle, so that you boil the right amount of water.

Light bulbs
If you use a particular light for an average of four hours or more a day, then replace it with an energy-saving equivalent - which will use around a quarter of the electricity and last up to 12 times longer. Each energy efficient bulb fitted could give you an estimated saving of €10.50 off your energy bill per year. There are a wide number of energy saving bulbs on the market now, including replacement bulbs for halogen spotlights with GU10 CFL and Led lights bulbs

Hot Water
Of course it should be hot, but it doesn't need to be scalding. For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing. This can save up to €15 per year. If using an immersion heater ensure you fit a timer.