Britain’s heating habits have been laid bare in new research from one of the UK’s leading renewable energy suppliers, revealing that more than a third of households (36%) disagree about when to switch on the heating.
The national study, commissioned by Good Energy, highlights the diverse ways Brits are approaching heating this winter – and just how contentious the decision can be.
For most households, the process is democratic: two-thirds (67%) say they consult everyone’s opinion before turning on the heating, while only 12% admit to doing so without consulting anyone else.
Despite this collective approach, habits vary widely. While all 12 UK regions report an average heating switch-on date in October, a significant number of households buck the trend. Nearly one in 25 (4%) say they don’t turn on their heating at all, and over one in ten (11%) plan to wait until late November or beyond.
Brits’ reputation for stoicism also comes through in the data. Over half (51%) take pride in holding out as long as possible, yet most cave when the chill sets in. Almost half (46%) of those aged 55+ and 56% of Scots switch on the heating as soon as they feel cold. Others try to delay: just over a third (34%) manage only a few days, 9% last a full week, and one in eight (12%) hold out for more than a week.
Thermostat settings also vary widely. One in seven (13%) set their thermostat above 22°C – exceeding the Energy Saving Trust’s recommended range of 18–21°C. Millennials are the most likely to do so (19%). Interestingly, five of the 12 regions surveyed report average thermostat settings below the recommended range, with the North East dipping as low as 16.6°C.
For the majority of Brits (91%) cost is a factor when deciding whether to turn on the heating, with nearly a quarter (23%) saying it’s the main consideration. This comes as almost seven in ten (69%) expect their heating bills to rise this winter compared to last year.
To keep warm while keeping costs down, Brits are turning to tried-and-tested winter comforts. The top six essentials include:
- Warm clothing – such as snoodies or dressing gowns (49%)
- Slippers (46%)
- Hot drinks (46%)
- Warm blankets (40%)
- Heavy winter duvets (32%)
- Hot water bottles (28%)
Max Waddingham, Operations Director at Good Energy said: “We are passionate about supporting the ongoing energy transition to renewables, so people can stay warm throughout the winter months without relying on fossil fuels. From understanding people’s heating habits, we can help more people realise the benefits of heat pumps. Replacing gas heating is one of the biggest ways we can reduce the environment impact of our homes and businesses, and heat pumps are a logical choice – and could even provide a solution to family disputes over when to turn the heating on.”
Ahead of Black Friday, Good Energy is offering unmissable deals to help households make the switch to renewables, including free hot water for a year with the installation of an air source heat pump. Making fossil fuels – and the annual heating debate – a thing of the past. Discover more at www.goodenergy.co.uk/black-friday/
