More than two million homes to go without heating this winter
More than two million households say they will not turn on their central heating this winter, new research suggests.
The figure represents a 22% increase compared with last year, according to data from comparison and switching service Uswitch.com.
Those who live alone are most likely to take the step, with one in ten avoiding heating altogether. Families with young children are less likely, though one in 20 still plan to do the same.
Over half of households who say they cannot afford to warm their home blame rising living costs.
Nearly half of those avoiding central heating plan to rely on other methods, including putting on extra layers, hot water bottles and heated blankets. A fifth are using portable heaters, log burners or open fires.
Three-quarters of households say they fear being cold this winter due to high energy bills, while a quarter plan to set their thermostats below the recommended 18°C minimum.
The average household expects to switch on heating from 1 October, five days earlier than last year, though four million people had already turned it on by mid-September.
Retired Raquel Griffiths, 56, of Llantrisant in South Wales, said she turned off her central heating last winter and switched to ceramic heaters to warm rooms individually.
“With these heaters, I’m only heating the room I’m actually using,” she said. “I’m on my own in a four-bedroom house, and there’s absolutely no need to heat over 60% of the rooms. I can set the temperature I want, and switch it on just before I need it. I’ve noticed my energy bills dropping, especially from February and March last year when I started using these heaters.”
Uswitch urged households to check what support they may be entitled to this winter and to draught-proof their homes before resorting to turning heating off completely.
Will Owen, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “It’s concerning to see that the number of households planning to get through winter without heating has increased by a fifth this year, with solo dwellers most likely to take this drastic course of action.
“Spending winter in a cold home can be bad for your health, and people are advised to set their thermostats to between 18°C and 21°C even when trying to save money.
“If you’re worried about paying your energy bill this winter, please don’t suffer alone. Reach out to your energy supplier, who may be able to offer advice and support.”
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
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