32% of couples argue over the heating bill

As the UK officially enters winter on households are once again faced with the dilemma of when to switch on the heating. But with the high cost of energy, many households are engaging in a ‘thermo-spat’, with one in three (32%) couples having already bickered over who controls the heat, according to a poll from Nationwide.

More than four in ten (42%) people have admitted to putting on the heating behind their partners’ backs, and with the Met Office forecasting a Christmas cold snap this week, the ‘thermo-spat’ is likely to heat up. The poll also highlights that just over a third (36%) of households never reach an agreed consensus on the right temperature, meaning it could be a long winter for many.

Nationwide conducted the poll of more than 2,000 respondents with winter on its way and at a time when the cost of living remains a major concern for many, particularly high energy prices. 

Mandy Beech, Director of Retail Services at Nationwide Building Society, said “We all have differences of opinion over when the heating should go on or go up, but the continued high cost of energy means that this has become a real issue for a larger proportion of us. While some will be able to juggle the extra costs, for those who are worried or struggling with rising costs, help is available. Our cost-of-living hotline was set up to respond to worries our customers might have and where necessary to help them get back on track. We would urge anyone with concerns to get in touch with their financial services provider for support sooner rather than later.”

While a small number held off putting the heating on until the start of December (3%), almost eight in ten (78%) did so before. Of those managing to resist, more than a quarter (27%) say it’s because they can’t afford the bill, and more than half (51%) are waiting it out until absolutely necessary in order to save money.

According to the poll, the average ideal temperature for a home at this time of year is 20 degrees (23%). And for those who prefer it hotter or colder, nine per cent think it should be a sweltering 24 or more degrees. While five per cent think the ideal temperature should be a cool 17 degrees.