The FINANCIAL — Even as wintry temperatures hit the UK, there is a chill in the air that's not caused by the weather. As temperatures drop, one in six householders will have a run-in with a housemate over the heating each week, shows research by AA Home Membership.
The heating spat hotspot is Northern Ireland, where almost a quarter (23%) say they argue over the heating.
Scotland comes second (18%) with thermostatic tempers, whereas south-west England is the most 'chilled-out' region, where just one in ten (10%) disagree over the heating, according to Automobile Association Developments Limited.
Their most common squabbles are over what temperature the heating should be – 60% of those who've had a fall-out cite this as the cause. Another 42% have fallen out over the length of time the heating is on, and 27% bicker over the energy bills.
"Many people know what temperature they feel comfortable with and when they want it on. People can be quite set in their ways about this sort of thing, but if family members have different views it can lead to tension and even arguments," Helen Brooker, Head of AA Home Membership, said. "With energy costs rising, heating a home isn't cheap. While some people value warmth and comfort, others consider the expense more. But if the heating fails no-one benefits. And with the weather forecast looking colder, now is a good time to give your central heating the once-over to check it's working properly, and repair any faults it may have. A boiler breakdown at this time of year really will lead to frayed tempers among families who already fall out over the heating, never mind being extremely inconvenient," she added.
The research also reveals that the nation's 'favourite' temperature is 20°C, though six per cent of those from both Northern Ireland and north-west England like their home to be a toasty 25°C or warmer.
Most people seem to make some sort of compromise in order to save money on their energy bills. A hardy seven out of ten will put on warmer clothing rather than the heating, while four out of ten keep their heating on a lower temperature than they'd like. Almost half say they only heat specific rooms to save money, according to Automobile Association Developments Limited.
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