The introduction of energy performance certificates (EPCs) in Northern Ireland is prompting many homeowners to look into what can be done to save energy, it has been claimed.

According to the Northern Ireland Energy Authority (NIEA), the number of calls it has received regarding energy saving has doubled in the last year, due in part to the need to make houses more energy efficient in line with energy performance standards.

Nigel Brady, director of the NIEA, explained that another pressing concern of householders is the rising cost of fuel.

Mr Brady commented that many people are inquiring as to how they can make their homes low carbon, such as installing solar panels.

"If we could make our housing stock more energy efficient and encourage people to use renewable technologies then we could reduce our reliance on fossil fuels like oil which are rocketing in price," he said.

Domestic solar thermal water heating is one way people can save money on their heating bills and reduce carbon output.

The Energy Saving Trust maintains that some 350kg of CO2 and £50 a year can be saved through installing such a system.