Be energy efficient and cut your bills.

ENERGY efficient windows can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint - but the benefits to be reaped will vary depending on the type of property and other factors.

An easy way to find out the savings you could make is now available online. The GGF Carbon Calculator has been developed by the Glass and Glazing Federation, the UK trade association for the glass and windows industries.

Homeowners can simply input the type of windows they currently have, the kind of property lived in, the approximate size of windows that are being replaced, the type of fuel used and the rating of Energy Efficient Windows to be installed.

In a matter of seconds the Carbon Calculator will evaluate the annual savings that can be made on energy bills and the amount of reductions in CO2 and Carbon emissions.

Energy Efficient Windo'ws are rated 'A' to 'G' with 'A' being the most energy efficient. They come with a 'rainbow' label similar to those found on washing machines, fridges and dishwashers - issued by the British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) to allow homeowners to make an informed purchase. The Carbon Calculator will also tell homeowners how much more they could save by installing the highest rated Energy Efficient Windows (rated 'A') over other levels (rated 'B' to 'G').

The amounts of money saved could be dramatic. For instance, if a home is single glazed or the double-glazing was installed before April 2002 then it could be losing heat, and therefore money, literally out of the window. By switching to Energy Efficient Windows homeowners can save energy and reduce household bills by as much as pounds 461 per year (based on an electrically heated house, according to DTI Quarterly Energy Prices, Dec 07).

The Carbon Calculator was developed by the GGF in conjunction with Government and the Energy Saving Trust (EST). Its calculations have been verified by the EST. You will find it online at www.ggf.co.uk