Most of us are wasting hundreds of pounds every year just by failing to turn off lights and other appliances around the home. With energy bills supposedly on the increase, saving cash around the house is a bonus for everyone. And going green is very much the new black in light of the Government having just announced plans to make Britain the first nation in the world to set legal limits on its carbon emissions.

Global warming is a big issue, and recent flooding in some areas across the UK really highlights just how important it is that we all make some life changes to help the situation. Even small changes will make a big difference and there is no need for them to cost the earth! Reducing carbon emissions from your home will reduce the impact you have on the environment and shrink your carbon footprint.

The Oil Firing Technical Association, OFTEC, is recommending a few simple steps that could help you to save the pennies and the planet too.

OFTEC's Barry Edge said: "If householders make a few simple changes they will be amazed by how much money they can save, just by turning the television off or by being more careful with the water they use. Being kind to the planet is becoming increasingly important to everyone and these simple steps could also save cash."

Here are OFTEC's top tips: Cut the power Turning off televisions, stereos and computers when they are not in use is an easy way to save money and reduce power usage.

Adjust your thermostat Turning down your thermostat by just one degree can save you money on your heating bills and saves fuel.

Insulate your home Make sure your home is properly insulated. Houses lose a third of their heat through outside walls.

Use energy efficient products Most home appliances (white goods) have an energy efficiency rating. G is the least efficient and A is the highest. Efficient goods will reduce energy needs.

Keep your heat in Heat escapes through windows so make sure they're properly sealed and close your curtains at dusk. Perhaps consider getting double glazing.

Change your boiler for a condensing one Oil condensing boilers have efficiencies of up to 97% and so will dramatically help you to reduce carbon emissions, as well as saving money on your fuel bills.

Opt for renewable energy Renewable energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines are becoming increasingly popular and will reduce your home's carbon dioxide emissions. OFTEC has a program underway to agree upon a suitable blend of liquid biofuel for the heating sector, so that oil users can change over with minimal cost as biofuel becomes increasingly sustainable.

Don't waste water Save water and energy by only boiling what you actually need when you use the kettle. Having a shower rather than a bath will reduce water wastage and means you aren't heating so much water. Fixing dripping taps also stops you from paying to heat water which is then going straight down the drain.

Set your clock Most people will have a programmer that allows you to control when your heating and hot water goes on and off. If you haven't you might consider investing in one so you aren't paying to heat space or water for nothing.

Recycle Reducing household rubbish is easy if you recycle and it means that there is less rotting rubbish in landfill sites. Old rubbish produces methane which is 20 times more dangerous for the environment than carbon dioxide.

Don't waste heat Investing in a Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV), a valve fitted to radiators where you set the desired heat rather than the flow, will regulate heat. These are inexpensive and prevent unnecessary output from your radiators. Ask your plumber for further details.

Wash clothes at lower temperatures Most of the energy used by washing machines is on heating up the water, so turning the temperature down to a slightly cooler wash could save you lots of money. Wait until you have a full load of washing, or use the half load button, to save energy.

OFTEC operates a Competent Persons Scheme. All of its members are competent, qualified and insured to carry out oil firing work in your home. They can also advise on energy efficiency.

Any work done on heating systems or appliances - except for routine service and maintenance - must be notified to Local Authority Building Control (LABC). OFTEC advises that you always use a fully qualified trades person, who will register the job properly. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) maintains a list of 'Competent Persons' schemes for England & Wales, with fully qualified and registered trades people.

Anyone belonging to the OFTEC Registered Technicians scheme can self certify and approve their own work on oil installations without involving LABC. But if you choose to use someone who isn't registered with a 'Competent Person' scheme like OFTEC, then you will have to obtain a Building Control Notice and arrange for an inspection which can be costly and time consuming. Either way, you should receive a certificate stating that any works undertaken in your home comply with the current Building Regulations. Not only does this provide peace of mind, but could come in handy when selling your home and proving that any work done meets legal requirements.

There are over 9,500 Registered Businesses and Technicians throughout the UK and Ireland. To find an OFTEC Registered Technician in your area log on to www.oftec.org. You can also find a list under the OFTEC logo in the 'Heating Engineers' section of your local pages.