We all waste some energy. With a small amount of effort you and your family can not only reduce the carbon footprint of your home, but also save a significant amount of money.

The Energy Saving Trust calculates that up to £200 per year can be saved by being energy efficient - we believe we can help you do much better than that!

These are our top recommendations for saving energy at little or no expense...

1. Change Your Light Bulbs

Energy saving bulbs consume less than an eighth of the energy of a conventional bulb. They may cost more, but the payback period is surprisingly quick. Use our light bulb calculator (link not yet working) to find out what you can save.

Warning: some people have experienced health issues with CFL bulbs.

Does low voltage mean low energy?

2. Turn Down Your Central Heating Thermostat by 1 degree

Or be brave and turn your thermostat down 2 degrees. You might not even notice the difference... except when you get your your heating bill. And anyway, you've been meaning to try out that jumper Auntie Irene bought you last Christmas... Note that the effectiveness of your thermostat very much depends on where it is situated in your house - if it is in a naturally warm place the rest of the house will feel cooler because the thermostat will cut off the boiler sooner than if it is situated in a colder place.

Try our thermostat calculator on the left to see how much you could save.

3. Keep an eye on your central heating timer

If you're leaving the house for a period, alter your timer controls, and turn down the thermostat.

Alter the controls each season - think about when you really want your heating and hot water to be on.

4. Insulate Your House

The most cost effective way to save money and be energy efficient is to insulate your roof.

And why not check if you have cavity walls?

5. Switch to Green Energy

Find yourself a green energy supplier.

6. Cook With Gas

Not only is cooking with gas around one third of the cost of electricity, saving you money, but gas is an environmentally cleaner fuel as well.

7. Boil only the amount of water required in your Kettle

Empty your kettle, then try filling it with the number of cupfuls of water you actually need to make that pot of tea. That's the level you need to fill it each time. It won't save you much money, but its a good habit to get into.