Improving the energy efficiency of your home can mean either making changes to the building, or simply changing your behaviour to save energy. Energy Performance Certificates will give you advice on both of these areas.

Installing energy-efficient measures

Here is a list of some of the measures that the certificate might recommend targeting:

Low energy light bulbs, use approx 80 per cent less energy than traditional filament bulbs and can last up to 12 times longer.

Hot water tank/cylinder jackets can cut heat loss by around 75 per cent prices start from around £10.

Loft insulation could cut heat loss by around 30 per cent and is at least 250mm thick.

Cavity wall insulation could cut heat loss by over 30 per cent.

The cost of the measures recommended will vary, but the certificate will distinguish between those that cost under £500 (such as those above) and those that could cost more, such as double glazing or new heating systems. The certificate will also list further measures that will help achieve the highest possible ratings for the home, but which could be expensive and will take more than seven years to repay their cost in energy savings.

Behaviour changes

Other ways that you can improve your energy efficiency is simply by changing how you use your home:

Check your heating system thermostat isn't set too high (21 degrees C in the living room is suggested), and use the timer or programmer so you only heat your home when necessary.

Make sure your hot water isn't too hot. Your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60 degrees C/140 degrees F.

Turn off lights when they aren't needed, and don't leave appliances on standby. Remember not to leave chargers ie for mobile phones plugged in when not in use.