Simple daily mistakes in the home are costing the average British household a staggering £625 every year, according to new research. A study by the comparison service Uswitch has found that a massive 99% of households admit to having at least one wasteful energy habit.
The Major Financial Drains: Tariffs and Heating
The single most expensive error is sticking with the wrong energy plan. One in three homes (32%) has not moved to a fixed tariff, missing out on typical annual savings of £260 based on the cheapest deals currently available. Millions remain on standard variable tariffs, a decision that experts warn can cancel out all other energy-saving efforts around the house.
Heating misuse is another significant culprit. Almost half of households (46%) leave their heating on all night during winter, adding roughly £128 to their annual bill. Furthermore, more than half (53%) admit to leaving the heating running when they go out, piling on even more unnecessary expense.
Missed Schemes and Everyday Waste
Households are also failing to capitalise on modern money-saving initiatives. Nearly three-quarters (74%) have not signed up for free electricity offers available to many smart meter users, potentially forgoing savings of up to £187 a year.
Common kitchen and bathroom routines are quietly adding to the financial drain. Around 68% of people boil more water than they need in the kettle, costing an extra £38 annually, while 38% leave the shower running when they are not using it, wasting another £22.
Inefficient Laundry and Other Costs
Even laundry habits are proving costly. The research shows that 71% of people wash clothes at 40°C or higher, and over half run washing machines or tumble dryers when they are not full. A detailed breakdown from Uswitch illustrates the cumulative cost of these widespread bad habits.
Natalie Mathie, an energy expert at Uswitch.com, stated that households could make 2026 a turning point for their finances. She said: “Energy prices rose on New Year’s Day for millions of people on standard tariffs, so now’s a great time to make a New Year’s resolution to cut your bills. We’re all guilty of overfilling the kettle and leaving lights on, but the best habit to get into this year is switching to a fixed energy deal.”
She urged consumers: “If you’re on a standard tariff, taking a fixed deal could currently save you £260 a year. Take a moment to run a comparison online and see how much you could cut your bills by.” Uswitch emphasised that tackling just a few of the most expensive habits could save families hundreds of pounds annually, providing crucial relief amid the ongoing pressure of high living costs.
