The big switch off: New research reveals that over a fifth of Brits won’t be putting the heating on this Autumn

New research from Go.Compare energy has found that 22% of bill payers will be avoiding putting the heating on this Autumn in a bid to save money on their energy bills, and this figure jumps to more than one in four (27%) when it comes to those aged 45-54.

Over 2000* people took part in the survey, which asked about the measures people are taking around the home to cut down their energy costs. The results found that the top ten ways people are trying to save on their energy this Autumn are:

1. Turning off lights when you leave the room
2. Putting the heating on less
3. Turning off appliances when they're not being used / in standby mode
4. Not filling the kettle to the top
5. Washing clothes on a lower setting
6. Having quicker showers
7. Changing light bulbs to LED bulbs
8. Putting off turning on the heating altogether this autumn
9. Only heating certain rooms in the house and not others
10. Using the slow cooker instead of an oven

Turning the lights off when leaving the room remains the top step that people are taking to try and conserve energy, as well as having shorter showers, not filling the kettle to the top and washing clothes on a quicker setting.

Outside of the top ten, other steps people are taking include eating more cold meals instead of cooking, going to bed earlier and buying an electric blanket.

The survey also found that, when it came to the difference between men and women, female respondents were more likely to employ these energy saving measures around the home. For example, the survey found that where 44% of women are turning off appliances when they're not being used / in standby mode, only 32% of men are doing the same. And while 62% of women said they were putting the heating on less, this again dropped to 54% when it came to their male counterparts.

Gareth Kloet, spokesperson for Go.Compare energy, said of the research: “We’ve seen with the last few Price Cap announcements that the price of energy in the UK is still very much subject to fluctuation. So, to see that bill payers are taking matters into their own hands is great news. And while these energy saving tips may seem small in isolation, they can have a significant impact if they’re made into a habit and kept up over time.

“However, while some of the steps people said they were taking are sensible, the number of those who said they wouldn’t be putting the heating on is concerning – no one should be compromising on warmth this winter and more needs to be done to help people with their energy bills so that they don’t have to. Government guidelines state that for those who struggle with mobility, have a health condition or are 65 or over, should be heating the home to at least 18C.**

“If you are struggling to make payments on your energy bills, and are concerned as you head into the winter, speak to your energy provider as they have a duty to help you and work out a payment plan that will help you manage your outgoings.”

Go.Compare has compiled a list of practical things that you can do to save on your energy costs in the home, which you can find here: https://www.gocompare.com/gas-and-electricity/guide/energy-saving-tips/