AN average UK home uses about 22,000 kWh or energy a year.

Of that, about 60% is created by home heating, with a further 23% used to warm household water supplies.

About 14% of annual electricity use is through lighting and appliances, while just 3% comes from cooking.

Most homes at present rely on gas or oil-powered systems to heat their homes.

There are, however, a number of renewable energy options on the market at present to meet that demand.

Wood-fuelled stoves and boilers can replace traditional gas-powered units. Solar panels can also be used to heat and power a home.

A well designed solar water heating system can provide up to a third of a home's annual hot water needs, while the technology can often be integrated into existing systems.

Another option is a heat pump, which utilises natural warmth from the ground, water or air to heat the home.

The pumps operate at their best in highly insulated homes with low temperature heating systems, such as under floor heating. Domestic small-scale wind turbines are also available.

* Information provided by The Energy Saving Trust.