One in five homeowners takes no measures to reduce energy consumption

A new YouGov survey undertaken on behalf of the Heating Helpline indicates that the Government has a long way to go to convince homeowners to spend money on energy saving measures.

19 October 2010 – A new YouGov survey reveals that more than one in five (21%) of GB homeowners has not taken any energy saving measure in the last two years. The survey, commissioned by the consumer energy advice service the Heating Helpline, explored public attitudes and behaviours towards investing their cash in energy conservation around the home. Despite Britain being committed to cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2050; the high profile of environmental issues and the continuing trend of high energy costs, there appears to be some way to go to convince people to invest and take meaningful action at home. More worrying perhaps is that a significant number of homeowners (34%) plan to spend nothing in the coming year and a further 28% say they will only spend up to £250 on their own energy saving devices for their homes. Of those planning some spend: 40% said it would go on energy saving light bulbs, 21% on new loft insulation, 17% on draught excluders and 16% on upgrades to their central heating system. The Heating Helpline (www.heatinghelpline.org.uk) is backed by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA) and operates to provide consumers with free, impartial advice on every aspect of home heating. Chief Executive Robert Higgs says: “It is clear that although householders are interested in cutting their energy costs and playing their part in reducing the country’s carbon footprint there is a lack of understanding as to what needs to be done and how to pay for it. HVCA looks forward to the detail of the Green Deal and hopes that it will prove Government’s commitment to helping consumers take all necessary steps to secure an energy–efficient future. In the meantime, the Heating Helpline is helping to find highly experienced installers who are already providing cost-effective solutions to thousands of households.” Ends