Homeowners wasting energy
(12 March 2007)

Many people are wasting energy in the home despite wanting to be more energy-efficient, according to new research.

A study by the Home Heat Helpline found that in the last month, two-thirds of households have left appliances on standby, while almost one in three have left the heating on all night.

Other mistakes included 28 per cent of people boiling a full kettle when making just one cup of tea or coffee, along with one in five forgetting to turn off all the lights before leaving the house.

Duncan Sedgwick, chief executive of the Energy Retail Association, commented: "It is alarming that despite the warnings, millions of households are wasting money every month by paying higher than necessary home energy bills.

"Households need to examine the energy they use and take steps where think they can save money."

Other mistakes flagged up by researchers included one in four households using a washing machine that is only half full and 16 per cent covering radiators with furniture or curtains.