It may feel more like winter outside, but the managers of a Government scheme are marking the first day of spring on March 21st by launching a campaign to raise awareness of grants, which could help make homes warmer and more energy efficient.

Leading home energy efficiency provider, eaga plc, are inviting homeowners and private tenants across England to Spring Clean their Home with a Warm Front Grant' and take advantage of the help available to improve heating and install energy saving measures, which could help save money on fuel bills all year round.

Under the Government funded Warm Front Scheme, grants of up to £2700 are available to help households pay for home heating and insulation improvements.

Measures available under the scheme include, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, draught proofing, hot water tank insulation, gas, electric and oil central heating, boiler repairs and replacements. Home Energy Advice and low energy light bulbs are also provided to every resident who qualifies for the scheme.

People who are over the age of 60, in receipt of pension credit, council tax benefit, housing benefit, or income based job seekers allowance may qualify for the scheme. You may also be eligible if you receive benefits with a disability element, or if you have a child under 16 or are pregnant and have a MAT B1 certificate and get benefits such as income support, council tax benefit or housing benefit.

Scheme Director, Adrian Hull said, "At this time of year, improving your central heating and insulation may be the last thing on your mind. However, we are trying to encourage eligible householders to think ahead and apply early for the scheme.

"Warm Front is extremely popular and the sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can start on your application. There really couldn't be a better time to take action and pick up the phone. "

A combination of efficient heating and insulation measures can save the average household hundreds on their annual energy bill. Typically, as much as 50% of heat loss takes place through the loft and wall spaces alone.

Loft insulation, tank lagging, cavity wall insulation and draught proofing can all reduce the amount of energy needed to heat a home and can help save on average £300 a year on energy bills. This can make a massive difference to anyone struggling to get by on a low income, as well benefiting the environment by cutting household carbon emissions by up to two tonnes a year.

Warm Front is funded by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and forms the cornerstone of the Government's commitment to tackle cold homes and reduce fuel poverty by 2010.

Since the scheme launched in 2000, over 1.1 million households have received a grant to make their home warmer, healthier and more energy efficient To apply for a grant, call the Warm Front helpline free on 0800 316 6007 (quoting reference MK858) and a trained advisor will ask you a few simple questions to see if you qualify. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.