With the temperature starting to dip, it is time to review the energy efficiency of your home to ensure it retains as much heat as possible.

Sarah Wright, senior campaigns and communications officer at National Energy Action (NEA), warned that the situation could get more financially precarious for many homeowners because of the rising cost of fuel.

"The most recent official government statistics put the total number of households living in fuel poverty in England at 3.5 million, however more recent estimates suggest that there are actually around 5.3 million fuel-poor households in England," she commented.

Every one per cent rise in gas and electricity bills will push an additional 40,000 households into fuel poverty - meaning they will end up spending ten per cent or more of their income on heating their home.

"Older people are at particular risk, with many choosing to ration their energy use, unaware that living in a cold home can actually cause or exacerbate a range of serious health conditions such as strokes, heart attacks and bronchitis," said Ms Wright.

To counter the rise in energy bills, it might be time to consider investing in some energy efficient measures such as LED light bulbs. These lights have an average lamp life of 40,000 hours, meaning they do not have to be replaced as often as traditional incandescent bulbs.

"It is really important that you do all you can to ensure that your home is as energy-efficient as possible," Ms Wright added.

Meanwhile, landlords are set to be offered more support in making their property portfolios greener with the new Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation.

Over the next five years, up to £100 million will be offered to upgrade some of the UK's most energy inefficient properties, which could involve fitting insulation, double glazing and energy saving lights so that future tenants can cut their winter fuel bills and landlords will own more marketable properties.