Politics
A fifth of Brits to leave heating on throughout the summer – how to cut costs
A FIFTH of Brits will leave their heating on throughout the summer without a thought for their bills or the environment, according to a study.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 27% of those will leave their radiators on during the warmer months to dry their clothes – despite the temperature outdoors.
A fifth of Brits will leave their heating on throughout the summer without a thought for their bills or the environment, research has found[/caption]
It also emerged 26% of adults routinely leave the heating on when there is no one at home.
And 27% admit to leaving windows open, with the radiators on.
But the study by Hive, which is launching Hive Heating Plus – a subscription service to help customers track spend, reduce bills and cut their carbon footprint – found four in 10 want to be greener.
They also want to shrink their heating bills, but 43% said they’re “not in control” of what they spend on their heating.
Americo Lenza of British Gas, said: “We all have a desire to have greater control over our heating, but it can be difficult to track this.
“With lockdown easing and the weather getting warmer, there are a number of ways that we can ensure we’re heating our homes efficiently which is kinder to your wallet and the planet.”
Additional data from the smart home tech maker suggests heating an empty home for just two hours a day results in 0.7 tonnes of CO2e being emitted – the same as two economy return flights to Venice.
And heating a home in this way could also add £115 to an annual heating bill.
Carried out through OnePoll, the study also found 24% of adults have the heating on while they sleep, despite being wrapped up in bed.
Another 15% have worn light clothing such as a t-shirt or shorts indoors and had the heating on rather than simply put on more substantial items, like a jumper.
Tips to help reduce heating bills and lower your carbon footprint
Turn down your thermostat
Simply turning your thermostat down by 0.5 or 1 degree will not only save money on your heating bill but also help to reduce your carbon footprint.
According to The Energy Saving Trust, adjusting the temperature by just one degree could save you as much as £80 a year whilst also reducing your overall carbon emissions.
Be guided by the weather
When the weather is sunny, be sure to let the natural light in.
This will help to warm up your home more quickly meaning it will warm up more efficiently and retain the heat.
Additionally, when the weather takes a turn for the chilly, lock the heat in by shutting your blinds and curtains.
Keep your windows closed when the heating is on
An open window can impact how quickly your home warms up which could have an impact on your overall heating bill.
Use heat that is already there
Throughout the day we generate loads of heat around the home that we then waste.
But little things like leaving the oven door open when you turn it off is a simple way to help keep your home warm.
This won’t cost you a penny but will save you some over time.
Most read in Money
Around 50,000 Brits will save up to £450 a year on their energy bills after ministers unveiled plans to make homes greener.
Meanwhile, hard-up households have less than a week left to claim up to £300 off their energy bills.
Plus, families are paying up to £100 more for energy because they live on wrong side of street, The Sun can reveal.
