Install draught exclusion measures around doors and windows, lag your hot water tank if you have one, and put in cavity wall and loft insulation wherever possible. Best of all install internal or external wall insulation, under floor insulation and double glazing. The idea is to turn your home into a cocoon and waste as little energy as possible. Some councils will give you money towards energy efficiency or energy generation measures, but you can help yourself by changing your light bulbs to energy-saving ones and switching off unused electrical appliances. An estimated 8% of the UK’s carbon emissions are caused by appliances left on stand-by.