Experts warn against turning off heating completely, but millions say they'll do it anyway

"More than two million households are preparing to spend winter without central heating, as rising energy bills force families into drastic decisions. The number taking this step has surged by nearly a quarter in just one year, leaving millions braced for a cold winter ahead. Experts warn the scale of the heating switch-off poses a significant health risk that could define the cost-of-living crisis this winter."

"The survey found that more than two million households will avoid turning on their central heating completely this winter - a sharp increase compared with 2024. People living alone are most likely to make this choice, with one in ten solo households saying they will get through winter without radiators. Families with young children are less likely to go without, but still one in twenty are planning to turn the heating off altogether."

"Rising living costs are driving this change. More than half (54%) of those surveyed said energy bills were behind their decision, while three-quarters (77%) admitted they are worried about being cold over the coming months. Nearly half (45%) said they will turn to alternatives such as hot water bottles, heated blankets and extra clothing layers. Around one in five households plan to use small portable heaters."

More than two million households will avoid using central heating this winter, a near 25% increase from the previous year. People living alone are most likely to turn off radiators, with one in ten solo households planning to get through winter without central heating; one in twenty families with young children plan the same. Rising energy bills drive the decisions, with 54% citing bills and 77% fearing they will be cold. Nearly half will rely on hot water bottles, heated blankets and extra layers, and about one in five plan small portable heaters, log burners or open fires to warm only needed rooms. Some residents already heat only occupied rooms with ceramic heaters. Experts warn of significant health risks from these choices.

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