When it comes to energy efficiency, sometimes you have to spend money to save money.

Perhaps a few low energy lights or a new hot water tank jacket are all that are needed, but even these relatively inexpensive improvements can reap the rewards of lower fuel bills and higher energy efficiency.

If you want to draw up an action plan of improvements for your home, your first port of call should be the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre in George Hudson Street, York.

Staff will do an energy efficiency evaluation of your property and will draw up a list of suggestions together with potential savings, registered installers and any grants you might be eligible for.

So how much can you actually hope to save? A recent evaluation on a house in Salisbury Road, York, identified six action points that could mean savings of £175 on the owner's annual fuel bills. Here they are in more detail:

* loft installation - would cost £70-100 to install with a potential saving of £35-65 per year* cavity wall insulation - would cost £350-550 to install with a potential saving of £50-150 per year* draught proofing - would cost £35-80 to install with a potential saving of £10-30 per year* new condensing boiler - would cost £300-350 to install with a potential saving of £50-150 per year* low energy lights - would cost £15-20 to install with a potential saving of £10-20 per year* thermostatic radiator valves - would cost £60-100 to install with a potential saving of £20-45 per year.Loft insulation and low energy lights are the easiest first steps to take because they are relatively inexpensive and can be carried out immediately by the householder.

"Loft insulation is the easiest and most cost effective energy efficiency measure you can take," said York energy efficiency advisor Denise Hall. "And although energy saving bulbs are more expensive than ordinary bulbs, you'll make significant savings over the lifetime of each bulb."

In the same way, draught proofing is a simple, cheap and effective way of ensuring your home is more energy efficient.

"Doors and windows are obvious key areas," said Denise, " but don't forget to look at loft hatches, letter boxes and even keyholes.

"You don't have to spend a fortune but the more energy efficient you make your home, the more money you will save and, perhaps just as importantly, you will be doing your bit for the environment too."

For further details, call the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre at 20 George Hudson Street, York, on 01904 554406 or on freephone 0800 512012 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).