Homeowners have been urged to embrace green energy to both reduce their carbon footprint and save money.

This week is National Maintenance Week, during which Britons are encouraged to work on their properties to prepare them for winter.

Suggestions include clearing out guttering and ensuring that windows and doors are properly insulated against draughts.

Fair Investment, the personal finance portal, has said that homeowners should take the opportunity to explore their options for going green.

"Energy efficiency is big business and with the introduction of home information packs which require properties on the market to have an up to date energy performance certificate, many people will be going to the expense of fixing up their homes to make them more energy efficient," said James Caldwell, director of Fair Investment.

"However necessary, this can be a can be an expensive exercise. By simply changing over to a green electricity supplier, you can not only do your bit for the environment but you could stand to make valuable savings on your monthly energy bills."

Many homeowners will welcome an opportunity to reduce their outgoings. Interest rates have risen significantly over the last 18 months and the floods during the summer are already beginning to filter through into higher home insurance premiums.

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