Be prepared for... Ice and Snow

Five top tips to keep your home extra warm and cosy while being energy efficient this winter.

1. Don't let the warmth out! Add a layer (270mm) of insulation to your loft and save over £100 every year (Energy Saving Trust).
2. Fill gaps around windows and doors with sealant and invest in a draught excluder for your letterbox to stop warm air escaping.
3. Fit a thermostat and turn down your heating by 1°C. You won't notice the difference in temperature, but you will save around £50 every year.
4. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
5. An insulating jacket for your hot water tank is cheap, easy to fit and could save you between £10 and £15 a year (Energy Saving Trust). Always choose one that's at least 75mm (3in) thick.

For the garden, winter is a time of preparation. Complete the following tasks to ensure a bountiful spring.

1. Rough dig clay-based soil and break it down into small clumps.
2. Prune deciduous shrubs and remove dead or diseased branches.
3. Invest in a greenhouse - a great storage provider it'll make propagating plants from seeds much easier.
4. Protect vulnerable plants from frost and wind with a horticultural fleece.