We are all aware of global warming caused by our over-reliance on fossil fuels and the need to find some alternative energy sources, but can an individual make a contribution or should we act collectively?

You may be able to install alternative energy sources in your home and make a difference to the environment, but if you’re serious about it, making your home more energy efficient should be your first step. Every home is different, but some common themes run through, including good insulation and using energy-efficient machines.

Make sure your home is properly insulated and, if possible, install cavity wall insulation. Your loft must be properly insulated in its entirety with a thickness of at least 270 mm. This will make a big difference and is a requirement if you are thinking of applying for some grants.

Take the trouble to patch up any gaps in your baseboards to reduce drafts and, if possible, put a sturdy foundation in all rooms on the ground floor. This will also make a big difference and be worth the investment. If you must, look on eBay to see if you can get a good price.

Double glazed windows are the easiest way to reduce energy costs and UPVC windows are the cheapest and easiest option. Some people are reluctant for cosmetic reasons despite the better insulation they provide. A possible alternative is to fit custom safety glass around the window with a plastic strip around the edge. Glass sections are screwed around the frames and cost approximately £350 for effective double glazing throughout the house. In the summer some or all of the glass sections can be removed and stored behind cabinets or sofas if required. Either way, double glazing will make a world of difference to heat retention in your home.

All exterior doors should have weather stripping installed, and it’s easy to make a homemade weather stripping for your mailbox.

As much as possible, make sure all your appliances are A-rated. If you’re looking to buy something new, say a freezer to store your garden-grown vegetables, consider the KWh per year rather than just the energy rating. There are companies that sell only AA rated machines and it is worth supporting them.

You can buy energy saving plugs that can be connected to fridges and freezers and save electricity by regulating the power of the machine. Unfortunately, some appliances are incompatible, so a little research on the Internet will allow you to find out more.

Turn your entire house into energy-saving light bulbs by taking advantage of the many offers from power companies and DIY stores. Four for £4 is not uncommon

Consider installing a gas combi boiler that will provide instant hot water for showers, baths and heating and is much more efficient. A wood stove is another possibility that can be used to heat rooms in winter and to boil water.

Put reflective sheeting behind each radiator to reflect heat back into the room, which costs around £20 for a whole house.

Keep the thermostat turned down. Twenty degrees (or less) should be more than enough, which doesn’t seem bad once you get used to it, especially if you use an extra layer.