Tips for saving energy when you're on holiday

1. Lights on but no-one home?

Leaving your lights on so that your house doesn't look empty while you're away?

Why not use a timer switch to set them to come on and off.

These plug straight into the wall and enable you to programme in several time slots.

If you do intend to leave any lights on, switch to energy-saving lightbulbs.

Not sure which energy-saving light bulb to buy? We have a guide to help you choose.

2. Give your fridge a break

Fridges are one of the biggest electricity guzzlers - keeping them full is the most economical way to run one. When you're away, fill yours with jugs and containers full of water to avoid energy waste.

And don't have the temperature colder than it needs to be; the colder it is the more energy it uses. Set the thermostat at 38F (3.3°C).

If it's just got a dial, buy a cheap fridge thermometer and adjust the dial so the thermometer reads the above. If you're away for a while, defrost it fully and leave it off. Giving it a break means it will run more efficiently when you're back.

3. Unplug and switch off

All gadgets draw a bit of electricity when they're plugged in, even if they're off.

The amounts of energy wasted may be small, but we all have lots of gadgets so it adds up.

Pull all plugs out at the wall before you go.

How much can you save with a smart meter?

This will also ensure you don't leave anything on standby; according to the Energy Saving Trust, remembering to turn appliances off standby mode can save the average household between £50 and £80 a year.

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• How smart meters can help to reduce your carbon footprint - find out how smart meters can help us transition to a lower carbon future.

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