We're all becoming increasingly aware of how important it is to save energy, but what you may not know is just how easy it is to save energy in your home without making a huge amount of effort. There are simple things to do in your home to cut down on your energy use without affecting the way you live your life. Here are our top 10 tips on how to save energy at home:

1 – Close the curtains – Unbelievably, 40% of heat from the average home is lost through walls and windows. Keeping your curtains closed during the day will cut that down dramatically.

2 – Cover up – If your water heater isn't lagged, invest in one, at least 75mm thick. They hardly cost any money and will pay for themselves in no time at all.

3 – Turn it down 1 – The thermostat on the average home is permanently on at 21 degrees. Turn it down just one degree you will be saving a huge amount of energy a year – the equivalent of planting eight trees, and you won't even feel the difference.

4 – Turn it down 2 – When you wash with Ariel, simply turn you machine down to 30 degrees you will still get a brilliantly clean wash at a low temperature and save 40% of the energy used with each load.

5 – Switch it off –When in standby mode, your electrical appliances use up to 85% of the energy they would use when turned on. If you're not using it, don't leave it on stand by.

6 – If the pan fits – By cooking with the correct fitting pan for the size of the hob, you can save up to 40% of energy from escaping.

7 – Quick clean – By taking a shower (ideally for no longer than three minutes) you will use up to 30-50 litres of water less than if you were to have a bath.

8 – The ring of truth –Mobile phone chargers being left plugged in still use 95% of the energy they use when charging. When you phone has been charged, unplug the charger.

9 – Gardener's workout – Use a manual lawn mower, and you'll save a huge amount of energy and getting some exercise at the same time.

10 – Join the club – If you drive to work, and you know a few people who take the same commute as you, start a car club. One car on the road rather three or four, is a great way to reduce carbon emissions, and you could make some great new friends at the same time.