Winter whines that give us the shivers...
SCRAPING ice off the car, having to dry clothes indoors and constant sore, cracked lips are among the most annoying things about winter, research has revealed.
A study of 2,000 adults found shorter days and having less sunshine are top bugbears along with rising heating bills and always feeling cold.
And despite it being the season to be jolly, one in five struggle with people being grumpier than usual in winter – while the same number admitted that hearing Christmas music everywhere they go is one of their pet hates.
Getting out of the shower when it’s chilly, having to wear multiple layers and dealing with issues around the house also feature.
Marc Robson, smart energy expert at British Gas, which commissioned the research, said: “While we can’t do much about the days being shorter and we’re not in control of the sun, there are some simple things we can all do around the home to make it nice and snug.
“Making a few small, practical changes will keep the house warmer for longer, without using more energy than is needed – which is also good news for your bills.”
The study found more than a quarter say they hate winter, with almost half spending more time in a bad mood during this season than at any other time. Almost one in four said they are less productive while 44 per cent exercise less often. But 37 per cent admitted they do tend to sleep better in the winter, with 45 per cent wished they could just “batten down the hatches and hibernate” until it’s over.
While more than eight in 10 love being warm and cosy inside when the weather is wild outside, three quarters are conscious of how much they are using the heating.
Despite this, one in five make no effort to improve the energy efficiency of their home.