Almost half of householders across the UK would prefer their appliances to be better at energy saving and are prepared to pay the price for it, new research has found.

Figures released by the Energy Saving Trust show that 44 per cent of the UK population would be prepared to pay five per cent more on their fuel bills if it meant that their home could be more energy efficient.

The survey, carried out to coincide with Energy Saving Week, also found that more than two-thirds (70 per cent) of respondents felt that retailers should help them to choose appliances which are best at energy saving.

More than half even felt that companies should take the choice out of the hands of consumers by not stocking any products that are damaging to the environment.

Energy Saving Week, now in its 13th year, is designed to promote energy saving actions in homes across the UK.

The week-long event will end on October 23rd 2009.