The study of 2,000 people showed that nine out of 10 UK homeowners have heard the term "energy efficiency" and nearly three quarters (72%) know it can save them money. However, two fifths think they cannot afford to be energy efficient and 22% say they can't be bothered.
What's more, less than half (45%) of homeowners are conscious of the effect their energy use has on the environment and nearly a quarter (23%) believe their actions won't make a difference.
In spite of these barriers, 62% of the population say they have installed 'quick and easy' energy-saving improvements, such as insulation or draught-proofing. However, when quizzed about long-term changes, such as solar panels, the numbers drop dramatically, with just 5% investing in such improvements to their properties.
David Titterton, green deal and obligations director at npower, says: "Our research shows quite a one-dimensional view of energy efficiency and sustainability. On the one hand, UK homeowners are taking steps to cut their energy use and reduce their bills, but there is little engagement in long-term planning, particularly when it comes to self-generation technology such as solar panels and ground-source heat pumps.
"While part of this naturally derives from the different levels of investment needed to install these improvements, there is also a lack of understanding as to why using renewable energy is so important. By using less energy and tapping into renewable sources where possible, households can reduce their energy costs now and for years to come, as well as doing their bit to help combat climate change."
Two-fifths of UK homeowners say they cannot afford to be efficient. But thanks to a new government scheme called the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), householders who are in receipt of certain benefits, live in specific areas of the country or have a property that is particularly hard to insulate could receive free energy-saving improvements from npower - whether they are an npower customer or not. An accredited home-energy assessor will visit the property to provide a free and impartial assessment to determine which measures are suitable and whether they are available free of charge. An approved and accredited installer will then complete the work at the property.
For households that do not qualify for free energy-saving improvements, npower will also soon be offering energy-saving improvements through the green deal. This is another government initiative that gives people access to a finance package to pay for recommended home improvements through instalments on their electricity bill. This means households can install and benefit from improvements straight away, and the extra cost on their bill should be covered by the estimated financial savings expected to be achieved through the installation of the improvements.
Titterton adds: "Cost should not be a barrier for households looking to improve their energy efficiency. While many have taken steps to install some measures, the majority could still benefit from improvements that could be available free of charge or through the green deal. From insulation to boiler replacements, there is a range of simple and straightforward improvements to keep homes warmer while reducing energy usage."
For more information on the npower and energy-saving improvements on offer, visit npower.com/greennation or call 0800 980 3355.
Research was conducted with 2,000 UK homeowners on 16 April 2013. Participants were aged 18 or over and split into the following age ranges – 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55+.
