With autumn here, new research shows almost two thirds of households - 62% - are considering heating one room at a time to keep their energy costs down. The poll, commissioned by Toolstation, also found that 82% were holding out before they switch their heating on in a bid to save as much money as possible.
It even found that 51% of people have argued with their partner and family members about when the heating should go on. Further, 21% were struggling with costs so much that they will have to find extra finance to invest in energy-saving measures.
Greg Richardson, from Toolstation, said: “Our research shows that households are holding out before the big switch on this autumn in a bid to save costs. The colder nights, and fewer hours of daylight, means we’ll use more light, heat and energy to keep our homes warm. This combined with soaring energy costs means many are contemplating measures like delaying putting their heating on and only heating the room they are in.”
The poll also found that
- 20% are worried that their lighting will be cut off because they won’t be able to afford energy costs
- 37% are worried that their power will cut out because they can’t afford bills this winter
- 86% are worried about keeping their homes warm
Tips to keep your energy consumption costs down:
- Check that the central heating is only on when people are in the house, as heating an empty house is a waste of energy and money. For example, set the heating to come on 20 minutes before the family gets up in the mornings and have it switch off 15 minutes before they leave the house
- The ideal temperature for a room is between 18C and 21C, so check that the room thermostat is set to these temperatures
- The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a boiler accounts for approximately 60% of energy bills. If it is more than 12 years old, it may be worth replacing or getting it serviced more regularly
- Hot water should be set at 60C. Any higher is a waste of energy; any lower and there may be a risk of microorganisms forming
- Insulating a home means that it will heat more quickly and less heat will be wasted. Cold draughts are not only unpleasant, but also indicate that your home is losing heat, so invest in draught excluders for doors and fill gaps around windows
- Ensure that loft insulation is inserted between the joists of the loft. Cavity walls should also be insulated and can usually be professionally insulated in just one day from the outside of a home
- Lighting accounts for approximately 20% of an electricity bill. To reduce this, change light bulbs to a more efficient version
- Changing to energy saving light bulbs can mean that it uses up to 80% less electricity
- To reduce costs, use a smart plug or a smart extension lead
- Invest in smart thermostats and heating controls
