Taking longer showers and leaving household appliances on standby all contribute to rising energy bills but – who is to blame? Men or women?

According to a recent poll, around 64% of women confessed to taking long “luxurious” showers on a regular basis compared to only 17% of men.

78% of female respondents said they would gladly nudge up the heating without their partners knowing. That’s compared to only 14% of their male counterparts who said they would turn up the thermostat without telling their other halves.

Half of the men surveyed chose energy efficient home improvements as one of their top three choices when it comes to splashing the cash. In fact energy efficiency is higher on men’s list of priorities compared to women, the poll revealed.

When it comes to turning the lights off, ladies win the debate with 78% of women saying they are committed to switching it off before leaving the house. A mere 38% of males remember to do it.

The online poll which was commissioned by UK energy saving expert Zenith Home surveyed 500 UK adults.