Consumers could do more to save energy, says comparison website

22/02/2010

Consumers may be feeling the strain of high winter energy bills, but many are still in the habit of wasting energy on heating their homes.

This is according to a new report from price comparison website Confused.com.

The site found that 76 per cent of Britons are more aware of their energy usage following the prolonged cold snap that affected the nation.

However, a huge number are still using energy unnecessarily.

Surprisingly, 37 per cent of homeowners will turn the heating up before they think to put on another layer of clothing.

Gareth Kloet, Confused.com's head of energy, commented: "It's important to realise that Winter doesn't stop when you go through your front door. Jumpers and extra layers that keep you warm outdoors do work just as well inside and do not load your energy bills."

A further 22 per cent of people would leave their central heating on during the day just to keep their pets warm, while one in ten would leave the heating running in a totally empty house in order to return home to a warm house in the evening.

One of the most effective ways to reduce your heating bill without having to feel the cold is to install adequate home insulation. Grants are available towards the cost of Loft Insulation and Cavity Wall Insulation. To find out more call the ‘Snug as a Bug’ helpline in 0845 602 4696 and quote webnews.

They can arrange for a FREE, no-obligation survey of your home by a specialist insulation surveyor.