Take control of your heating, ‘save £500m a year’

Householders in Britain could save £500 million a year if they take control of their heating. That’s according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), which reveals although 78% of those […]

Householders in Britain could save £500 million a year if they take control of their heating.

That’s according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), which reveals although 78% of those surveyed claim to understand how to use their heating, half of them are incorrectly using the controls.

Nearly 40% of Brits believe it’s more efficient to leave the heating on all the time, more than a third (35%) turn up their room thermostat when they want the room to heat up quicker and nearly a third (31%) leave their water heating on all the time to make sure they never run out.

They are however all myths according to the EST, which said they could be costing far more on their energy bills than necessary.

The news comes as the Big Energy Saving Week, funded by DECC in collaboration with the EST and Citizens Advice Bureau, kicks in today.

The research also found only a quarter of bill payers have switched suppliers in the last year and 31% of those who had not considered switching thought it could benefit them

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of EST said: “Rightfully, millions of householders are confused by their heating controls because, let’s be honest, it is a bit of a minefield. There are plenty of myths out there and it’s no wonder people aren’t getting it right.

“We are urging customers to learn about the myths, check their tariff, switch suppliers and insulate their homes.”

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