A new online tool is making it easier for New Forest residents to find out how to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

The free-to-use system, called “Cosy Homes New Forest” can create a refurbishment plan to make homes warmer, reduce carbon footprint, and cut energy bills.

Residents looking to make positive changes to their homes can add in a budget amount and what they want to work on improving.

They can then see different suggestions and scenarios to create a plan that suits them.

Cllr Steve Davies, the district council’s portfolio holder for housing and homelessness, said: “The energy efficiency checker is quick and easy to use.

"All that I needed to get started was to add in my postcode and it recognised my home straight away.

"It considers priorities like reducing energy bills or aiming for zero carbon.

"Being able to mix and match improvements gave me options which I will be able to consider further, like low energy lighting and an air source heat pump."