1. Loft insulation-

Simple to have installed or even do-it-yourself and could save you up to £50 per year. Your home may already have loft insulation but how much heat it is saving depends on how thick it is. The ideal thickness is 200mm (8"), so if yours is 100mm (4") or less it could do with a top up.

2. Cavity wall insulation-

Could save you up to £150 per year on your fuel bill. Nearly all homes built after 1930 will have cavity walls with little more than air and bricks keeping you warm.

3. Energy efficient light bulbs-

Last up to 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs and use 80% less energy.

4. Condensing boilers-

Your boiler could be costing the earth. Modern boilers, particularly if they are condensing, can be up to 85% more efficient than boilers over 12 years old. Replacing an old, inefficient boiler with a conventional boiler can save you around £84 a year. With a condensing boiler, you save £134 a year.

5. Draught proofing-

20% of your heat can be lost through draughty and ill fitting doors & windows. Draught proofing is quick, simple and cheap to install, and will make a big difference to the comfort of your house and fuel bills.

So You Think You Can't Afford It?

There are a number of grant and discount schemes that are running at the moment and it's worth finding out what is available to you. If you need more information simply call the free advice hotline 0800 512 012

Households in receipt of certain benefits (the state pension is not a benefit)

Grants of up to £700 to insulate your home. If you are over 60, you may be able to have Central Heating installed (maximum grant £2,000)

Slough and Reading residents

Interest free loans to the value of £1000. For insulation, 'A' rated washing machines & fridge freezers, condensing boilers and solar water heating

Slough Borough residents and others living in Berkshire

Discounted condensing boilers

Slough, Bracknell and Windsor & Maidenhead residents

Various energy efficiency schemes introduced to individuals suffering from ill health as a result of cold homes

All Slough Borough residents

Big savings on Home Insulation, energy efficient boilers and home appliances

Energy Saving Trust

British Gas

Scottish & Southern Energy (Southern Electric)

Powergen

Eastern Energy

0345 277 200

0845 7754 754

0800 072 9004

0800 027 8612

0345 697 931