'All I want for Christmas is lower heating bills' says research from homeserveheating.co.uk
UK (PRWEB UK) 24 December 2014 -- As Britain is edging closer to an arctic freeze, research from national heating experts HomeServe Heating showed that nearly one in six Brits have still not turned on their heating, despite the temperature dropping. In a bid to save money this winter, seventeen per cent of homeowners said that they would wait until temperatures ‘turned arctic’ until they warmed up their homes.
More than half of Brits say that they are already feeling the cold in their home, as they are fearful of running up their heating bills, eleven per cent saying that they will be cutting back on Christmas this year due to soaring heating bills. More than one third (37%) of homeowners are rationing the heating, with nearly one in ten (7%) saying that they are trying to spend more time out of the house so not to run their heating at all.
Sarah Thurston from HomeServe Heating said: “The research is extremely concerning and highlights that action needs to be taken across the country. It is important to consider what other savings can be made to ensure we stay warm this winter and enjoy Christmas. I would recommend that people take some small steps, such as insulating their home and checking their boiler is running efficiently."
The research also uncovered that one in three pensioners are planning to ration their heating this winter, despite the dangers. Even more concerning is that twenty three per cent of Brits said that they know an elderly neighbour, friend or family member who will be cold inside their home this winter. Half of pensioners are not aware of the grants available to them and incredibly two thirds of pensioners said they are not receiving any grants, despite all pensioners being eligible for winter fuel grants. Seventy-four per cent of home owners believe that the government needs to do more to help pensioners this winter.
Thurston continued: “I urge homeowners to check if they are eligible for any grants this winter to help ease the burden. The Energy Company Obligation was introduced to help reduce the amount of energy we use and help those living in fuel poverty. Pensioners are also eligible for winter fuel grants and they need to ensure they are receiving these.”
The research was conducted by Populus in November 2014 for HomeServe Alliance. For more information visit http://www.homeserveheating.co.uk or contact Emma Harvey emma(at)seven-consultancy(dot)com
Emma Harvey, HomeServe Alliance, +44 7976635366, [email protected]
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