Energy: Brits hope for cheaper tariffs while fuel saving is ignored

UK fails to save energy alongside recent gas and electricity tariff promises, according to a new study...

16:19 20 October 2012

A new study, conducted by Anglian Home Improvements, an Energy Saving Trust Recommended supplier, has stated that Britons could do more when it comes to savings related to energy. The stats come ahead of Big Energy Saving Week, which is from 22th to 27th October.

 

According to the new report, 94per cent of UK citizens express the desire to be energy efficient but only 37per cent act on this. With ever-increasing fuel costs, the general public in the UK could look to increasing their energy saving efforts it seems.

 

Energy costs are at an all-time high, according to Anglian Home Improvements, especially as two thirds of the ‘big six’ companies who deal with energy sourcing are set to increase their prices.

 

Baring this in mind, the study found 40per cent of UK people have central heating on throughout the day, while a third of people leave windows and doors open while the heating is switched on.

 

Surprisingly, only 46per cent don on extra clothing to keep warm.

 

It is thought that 30per cent of heat is lost through windows and doors, and 40per cent of Brits have no suitable fittings in place to rectify this, according to the new figures. The study also states that below half of us use an energy efficient boiler, which could help to explain why we dig in our pockets each time the energy bill comes through?

 

The stats showed that around 66.6per cent of people are thought to leave the television on when they leave a room, with nearly 50per cent having it on the stand-by function overnight.

 

Apparently, 63per cent of UK citizens charge mobile phones throughout the night, and one fifth do not own energy saving light bulbs

 

When it comes to water, Anglian Home Improvements found that of those asked, nearly 50per cent have the tap running unnecessarily, and 29per cent fill the kettle more than is needed.

 

The Head of Marketing and Communications at Anglian Home Improvements, Melanie McDonald, has said: “The cost of running a household is radically increasing due to rising energy prices and food inflation.

 

“So as we head into the winter months and energy consumption increases, it’s more important than ever for people to look at ways they can improve their energy efficiency.

 

“There are lots of quick, easy things we can all do straight away and there are also many ways in which homeowners can improve the efficiency of their property for the longer term. Installing the best thermal windows on the market, for instance, will ensure they get the maximum return on investment and benefit for many years to come.”