As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact households across the UK, a new report from Barratt reveals startling behaviours among Britons trying to save on household expenses.
The study, which surveyed 4,000 UK adults between November 2022 and February 2023, found that 57% of respondents are choosing to live in cold and dark homes to avoid rising utility bills.
Steve Mariner, group sales & marketing director at Barratt Developments, said of the findings: “The cost-of-living crisis is continuing to affect people across the country. It’s worrying to hear of people living in the cold and dark to save money on bills.”
Across generations, the study indicated that 85% of both Baby Boomers and Gen Z have opted to turn down their heating. In a notable revelation, those under the age of 26 were found to be the most concerned about affording their energy bills.
Professor Richard Fitton from the University of Salford offered advice to homeowners and renters: “We are currently exploring lots of innovative methods of heating homes, such as infrared heating or skirting board heating. However, homeowners and renters can also save money by doing simple things, such as drawing lined curtains early on a winter evening to keep the heat in.”
The study also found a resurgence in traditional methods of keeping warm, like wearing thermal clothing and using draught excluders. The University of Salford’s Energy House, the world’s largest climate-controlled chamber for researching energy efficiency, confirms that such practices can be effective. Drawing curtains and blinds, for instance, could save approximately 2% on heating bills.
The report also sheds light on shifting consumer behaviours around home buying, with 56% of respondents saying they’re now more likely to consider a new build property to help save on energy bills.
“Homebuyers are increasingly prioritising energy efficiency, with more people likely to consider buying a new build property to help save money on bills,” Mariner added.
