According to new research from uSwitch, consumers who are living in non-energy efficient properties are missing out on individual annual savings of up to £530. That's over four in ten households.

Reasons behind this bold figure vary from the notion that upgrades are not the best value for money to the lack of awareness around the variety of upgrades available.

When home energy efficiency upgrades are considered usually the first improvement to spring to mind is loft and cavity wall insulation. Although this is proven to show instant results and is considered to be an excellent investment, it can cost around £150 which for some consumers is not an option. There are however alternative steps that can be taken that will still have a positive effect without costing too much money.

Priced at around £30, Energy monitors enable the consumer to keep a track of their energy usage and see in real time how much money they are spending. This small investment could offer savings of up to £52 per year. Another savvy device is the Radiator booster. Available for around £25, it sits on top of the existing radiator and circulates the hot air around the room by means of a small fan resulting in savings of up to £140 per year.

The price of energy is continuously fluctuating and although the energy companies have recently reduced costs by an average £34 per household, uSwitch report that customers are still £190 worse off due to the average increase of £224 per household in 2010-2011.

It is worth noting that there are government grants available to everyone for home energy efficiency upgrades. Don't miss out on any savings; check that your home is running as efficiently as possible today.