We’re just chilling
Eight million turn on central heating in summer cold snap
IT is apparently the middle of summer but eight million shivering Brits have already turned the heating back on.
While Europe has wilted in a killer heatwave, our chilly snap has sent three in 10 of us reaching for the boiler controls.
A third of us have raided the winter wardrobe for fleeces and jumpers, says a study. And one in 10 has dug out overcoats, said price comparison site uSwitch.
Traditionally, households wait until the clocks go back in October before caving in to the cold and putting on warm gear and the central heating.
Temperatures in London have been as low as 8C this month, when the average is 20C for this part of August. In Manchester, the thermometer was showing just 7C at one point this week.
Claire Osborne, uSwitch energy expert, said: “It’s incredible that eight million homes have their heating on before we’re halfway through August.
“It’s understandable given how cold it’s been over the past few weeks, but consumers need to consider the impact it will have on their energy bills.”
Researchers found a quarter have ditched flip-flops for furry slippers, a fifth have had hot baths to warm up and one in 10 has brought out a winter duvet.
Ms Osborne warned: “With so many giving in to the cold and turning the heating on, households could find their annual bill gets a lot larger than expected.
“Shopping around now, before even colder weather bites, could save hundreds of pounds.”
Forecasters say the rest of the August will be more typical at around 20C but it will be rainy.