Quoting a survey of 1,848 consumers by Home Heat Helpline, uSwitch revealed that 30% of those asked leave their heating on overnight, while 28% boil a full kettle to make just one hot drink. In addition, 63% of those questioned admitted to leaving devices such as televisions and stereos on standby.
The survey also revealed that 25% of those asked use their washing machine before the drum is full, and 20% also have their thermostat at 22 degrees centigrade; one degree higher than the energy-saving guidelines.
uSwitch did, however, reveal that, in the last year, 65% of Britons have made some attempt to make their homes more energy efficient. Despite this, only 32% of homeowners aged 18 to 24 commented that they were making the changes for environmental reasons, with the rest citing motives such as financial savings.
The findings led the price comparison website to comment that, if consumers make even small changes to their gas and electricity use, they can both help the environment and save money.
