Boilers that are more than eight years old must be replaced by homeowners to ensure their own safety, one expert has stressed.

Those who have boilers which have been in operation longer than this period of time should instead seek a new condensing model, while radiators should be fitted with thermostatic radiator valves.

Oliver Heath, eco design consultant at Oliverheath.com, also noted that insulation is important for homeowners.

Mr Heath explained: "If you are doing up your home, first of all think about insulation. New insulation is always important and the best place you can spend your money."

Residents can also make their home more eco friendly by preventing draughts, he remarked.

Andrew Leech, director at the National Home Improvement Council, recently claimed that a VAT reduction on home improvements could encourage more people to improve the energy efficiency of their home.

Mr Leech argued that residents now have to pay "through the nose" to boost their property's sustainability.