ALMOST half of Britons would rather stay cold this winter than burn money on heating, according to a study.
Four in ten admitted that they can’t afford to spend a penny more on their gas and electricity as this year’s cold spell hits.
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Almost half of the British would rather stay cold this winter than burn money for heating (stock photo)Photo credit: Getty
Meanwhile, 46 percent admit leaving their radiators off “as long as possible” to cut bills and reduce their electricity consumption.
Research also shows that almost 70 percent of UK adults wear a sweater to avoid turning on the heater.
And millions of other households are trying to reduce their energy consumption by turning off devices – including televisions and game consoles – a survey of 2,000 people across the country found.
Crowds of others take shorter showers, install draft stoppers and prohibit bathrooms and even toilet flushing in order to conserve resources.
The billing cost study commissioned by Equity Release Supermarket also showed that 25 percent of Britons have switched electricity supplier in the past six months after shopping with suppliers.
Mark Gregory, Founder and CEO of Equity Release Supermarket, said: “The UK is in the grip of a deepening energy crisis with the collapse of suppliers and massive cost of living households, with inflation skyrocketing next year.
“Household owners clearly feel the strain from the whole thing. Millions of them are making great efforts to reduce their energy bills, and the warnings about climate change are obviously also affecting their decisions to conserve resources wherever they can.
“But while conservation is key, it is imperative that the British do everything possible to ensure they have enough to cover their energy bills and stay warm and healthy this winter – especially the elderly and especially in the midst of Covid . “
The study found that 12 percent of the nation paid £ 121 or more for their monthly energy bills, while another 12 percent paid up to £ 70.
More than half, 56 percent, said they wouldn’t mind paying more for heat and light in winter – but an increase in the bill of more than 24 percent would be considered “too much”.
Almost three quarters of those surveyed said their energy bills had increased since June.
UK’S BEST ENERGY SAVING HACKS
1) Put on a jumper
2) Wrap in a blanket
3) turn off lights
4) Buy a draft stopper for the door
5) Snuggle up with family for warmth
6) Exercise / get family and roommates to do the same
7) watch TV less / persuade family / roommate to do the same
8) Play less / get family / roommate to do the same thing
9) Gather around a candle
10) Switch off devices from the mains when they are not in use
11) Stop the faucet while brushing your teeth
12) Change energy supplier
13) Take shorter showers
14) Install double glazing
15) Get a Smart Meter
16) Stop letting phones charge overnight
17) Stop bathing
18) Stop flushing toilets
19) Charge devices while you work
20) Showers at work / gym
And the same percentage admitted they feared their utility bills would skyrocket by spring.
Nearly 70 percent said their energy bills were too high, with energy consumption being a major source of disputes in millions of households across the country.
According to data from OnePoll.com, 17 percent of respondents said they “often” disagree with their children about how much electricity they get through.
More than two in ten admitted to having argued with others in their home about the heating being left “too high” or turned on in winter.
Almost a fifth said they are “very concerned” about being able to pay their energy bills this winter, and 38 percent are “somewhat” concerned about the costs.
More than half said it was easier than expected to switch electricity provider, and only eight percent said they didn’t take any action to avoid turning on the heating.
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