THE average four-bedroom home could save hundreds of pounds and be more energy efficient, a recent survey has revealed.

The information comes from the Government's communities department, six weeks after the launch of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Home Information Packs (HIPs).

Most four-bedroom homes are currently receiving an E energy rating, the third worst energy efficiency rating on the A to G scale.

However, this could potentially rise to a C rating and help homeowners save on heating, lighting and water bills, if consumers undertake measures recommended in the certificates - such as loft and cavity wall insulation.

The findings come from a snapshot survey of energy assessors and 1,000 EPCs provided since the launch of HIPs.

An average four-bedroom home, being rated an E, could typically save £180 on heating, £60 on lighting and £30 on hot water bills a year.

The top five recommendations given by assessors for improving energy efficiency are cavity wall insulation; changing to low energy lighting; putting thermostatic valves on radiators; loft insulation, and double glazing.

Communities minister Iain Wright said: "Families buying four-bedroom homes are getting clear information which shows how they can save hundreds of pounds on their fuel bills and cut carbon emissions too.

"It is important this should be available for people buying three-bedroom homes as well."

The Government extended EPCs and HIPs to include three-bedroom homes last Tuesday, enabling more buyers to get the same information to cut carbon emissions and reduce fuel bills.

Green grants of £100 to £300 for energy-saving improvements are available to many homeowners from energy suppliers as part of legal obligations introduced by the Government to improve energy efficiency.

Consumers can now access details of these grants by visiting energysavingtrust.org.uk and entering their post code.