Home heating manufacturer Worcester Bosch has released new research that uncovers alarming truths about how UK homeowners are planning to cope with the rising cost of energy.
In total, 54% of homeowners expressed worry specifically about their heating, how they plan to feed their family and if they will be able to afford necessities.
Homeowners have said over the last couple of months they have cut back on socialising, for 71%, shopping, 66% and planning holidays, 58%. Three quarters of Brits still believed they may not be able to afford their household bills in 2023.
Comparing the energy crisis to other issues, the public are ten times as concerned, 62%, about gas prices rising as they consider the pandemic, 7%, the war in Ukraine, 7%, and the ongoing recession 4%.
Martyn Bridges, director of technical services at Worcester Bosch, said: ‘‘There is no doubt that this winter will be difficult for us all and although the two-year freeze on bills will be helpful, the imminent increase in October is still very concerning.
“At Worcester Bosch we are doing everything we can to avoid homeowners paying excess amounts for their heating and hot water and sharing simple changes to help save on energy use. While turning down your room thermostat by one degree, draught proofing doors and windows, and ensuring your boiler gets regularly serviced, may not feel like a lot, it can add up in the long run.”
Worcester Bosch partnered with financial expert and founder of This Girl Talks Money, Ellie Auston-Williams, on the research.
Ellie said: “It’s a hugely worrying time for millions of households and although measures have been put in place around the energy cap, the fact that over 50% of homeowners are worried specifically about the heating shows the scale of the financial anxiety across the country which, if not addressed, could take a huge toll on the stress levels of millions of people.”