By switching to renewable sources of energy, we can easily reduce our carbon emissions and save money.
Steps such as fitting thermostatic radiator valves and boosting insulation cost little; others, like adding solar panels, require more enthusiasm and a bigger budget.
Although there may be initial costs, remember that when you sell your home, you'll reap the benefits.
Energy efficiency is recorded within the A to G rated Energy Performance Certificate in the Home Information Pack, and carbon-neutral homes - those that export enough of their own clean power to offset any fossil fuel emissions from power imported - are exempt from stamp duty.
Investing in a new system Get a grant You may be able to apply for a grant of up to £2,500 through the government's Low Carbon Emissions Programme for installing new condensing boilers, cavity wall or loft insulation, ground source heat pumps (not air or water), solar panels (both for electricity and liquids such as water or oil), wind turbines and biomass stoves or boilers.
For further information, visit lowcarbonbuildings.
org.
uk or energysavingtrust.
org.
uk.
Utilities companies are also encouraged to offer their customers a discount on cavity wall or loft insulation installation.
Assess your boiler If your boiler is more than 15 years old, it's probably only about 60 per cent efficient, which puts its energy rating at about G.
In real terms, that means that, for every £1 you spend on heating your home, 40p is wasted.
By replacing your old boiler with a new energy-efficient condensing one (A-rated and 90 per cent or more efficient), you could dramatically reduce heating bills and make your home more attractive to future buyers.
As a guide, installation costs from £1,800 to £4,000; your supplier can give you a quote.
Different types of boiler All new boilers today have to be of the high-efficiency condensing variety, and there are three standard types you can choose from, plus other options, all outlined below: Combi boilers heat your home and provide instant hot water without a tank.
They're ideal for smaller homes, even those with more than one bathroom, provided showers and baths are not used at the same time.
Regular boilers store water and require a separate hot-water tank, the size of which determines how many bathrooms can be supplied; often, an expansion tank in the loft is required.
System boilers also use stored water and have larger storage tanks, which allows them to feed several hot water taps at a time.
Usually, system boilers are more efficient than regular boilers and also take up less space.
There are other options, including solid fuel, biomass and electric boilers, but these are much more expensive than the standard ones.
It is worth ensuring that any new boiler is compatible with solar panels; even if you don't intend to fit these now, it gives you the option to do so later.
Fuel Types Green electricity Many suppliers now offer electricity that comes either partly or wholly from renewable sources; the latter is currently a more costly alternative than a partly renewable supply.
One hundred per cent green energy suppliers include Ecotricity, and Good Energy.
Ask your existing supplier about going green.
Other fuels Mains gas, in areas where it is available, is the most cost-effective and convenient solution for central heating and hot water systems.
It provides a consistent supply without the storage problems associated with some of the alternatives.
If you are not connected because you don't live near a supply, you are limited to liquid petroleum gas (LPG), electricity and solid fuel.
Oil is the next best option in areas where there is no mains gas supply.
Although the price of oil has risen dramatically recently, it's still more cost-effective than heating your home with LPG or electricity.
Websites such as boilerjuice allow you to have your oil delivered on the same day as neighbours so you can cut the carbon footprint and gain a group discount.
Mains electricity is the most expensive option, even using off-peak tariffs.
However, a mains supply is available to all new and existing homes and there are no storage issues or flue requirements for fires.
Other options Eco options More households are exploring environmentally friendly options for creating their own power, with solar panels, biomass and air pumps being the top three.
Solar photovoltaics (solar PV) convert your house into what is effectively a mini power station, generating up to 25 per cent of an average home's electricity, using panels on your roof.
Saving in fuel costs is up to £200 a year, but the initial outlay is around £13,000.
Solar hot water systems are more popular.
They don't rely on continuous sunshine and can supply between 50 and 70 per cent of your annual hot water, including water for underfloor heating.
Installation costs £3,000 to £5,000; check that your boiler is compatible.
Biomass involves burning special pellets, chips or logs made up of plants and wood waste, in a biomass stove or special boiler.
A detached house with no gas supply could save around £200 a year on heating and cut CO2 emissions by eight tonnes.
Installation might cost £3,000 for a stove and £5,000-£12,000 for a boiler system.
Heat pumps are available for three different sources: air, ground and water (see below).
Users say they shave up to 70 per cent off heating bills.
They are ideal for underfloor heating but, for radiators or hot water, you'll need another heat source, such as a traditional hot-water boiler.
Expect to pay from around £14,000 for a water or ground source system, £9,000 for an air source system.
AIR - Fitted in the roof or outside the house, this type costs the least to install but is least efficient in winter when needed most; good for a conservatory or extension.
GROUND - Involves tens of metres of loops of pipes around your garden at 1m deep, so best for those who have a large plot or are building their own home.
WATER - You need to drill a borehole to tap into a stream, pond or spring nearby; most efficient at the lowest cost.