Millions of Brits to tough it out without heating as another big freeze approaches the UK

10/9/2011 7:01 PM EST

10.10.11 - A YouGov poll, commissioned by Anglian Home Improvements, the UK’s leading home improvement company, shows that over a fifth (21%) of people in the UK won’t turn on their heating until at least November, even though forecasters are predicting a particularly cold October with snow even expected in some parts of the country in the next few weeks.

The poll reveals that 3% will hold off till December, 18% will wait till November and 36% will flick the heating on in October. 32% said they have already switched their heating on (pre October), despite the warm autumn.

The same poll reveals that of those switching their heating on this winter, more than half are likely to do so later this year compared to last year due to rising energy costs – 51% to be precise.

“Rising energy prices are making millions of households in the country switch their heating on later this year, compared to last year,” says Melanie McDonald, Anglian Home Improvements Head of Marketing and Communications. “And of those planning on switching the heating on later this year to save money, around 90% will wear warmer clothing, nearly 60% will use more blankets and just over a third will use hot water bottles to keep warm.

“But if you’re still feeling the chill it could be because your home isn’t retaining its heat. Installing energy efficient doors and windows or loft insulation can dramatically improve your home’s energy efficiency and help keep the wolf from the door a little longer - without having to crank up the heating.”

Here are some other hot stats from Anglian’s EcoHome Poll:

• Energizers - 33% of Brits are doing more around the home this year, compared to last year, to save energy
• Frugal Brits - 89% of those who are doing more to save energy this year compared to last year are doing so mainly because of rising energy costs and the rising standard of living
• Ecowarriors - Only 10% say they are doing more to save energy because they are mainly concerned about the environment
• Window of opportunity - 86% of adults say energy efficient doors and windows are fairly or very good at saving money on household energy bills
• Yet…only 42% of households say they have them in their home

Biggest energy crimes

• TV addicts - 37% admit to ever leaving their TV on standby overnight
• Glowing stat - 36% admit to ever leaving their lights on when not in the room
• Money out of the window - 11% admit to ever leaving their windows and doors open when the heating’s on

Full details about Anglian Home Improvements energy efficient windows and doors and its new EcoHome offer can be found on www.anglianhome.co.uk

-ends-

Notes to Editors

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2065 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 27th - 29th September 2011. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).