As the cost of living crisis continues to impact people across the UK, households have been warned that turning off their heating this winter could lead to a hefty £13,000 bill. Customers of energy companies like OVO, Octopus, British Gas, EDF, EOn, Bulb, and Shell may delay or avoid turning on their heating to save money. However, experts caution that this may lead to higher expenses in the long term.
While the energy bill cap has fallen slightly this winter, the annual Ofgem-set figure is still at a staggering £1,834. During the previous winter, there was a surge of 75% in the number of claims related to burst water pipes. This surge was attributed to the decision of 13 million households to refrain from using their heating systems as a cost-saving measure. Consequently, the average cost of repairs escalated by almost £4,000, reaching an astonishing £12,791, as per the data provided by the insurance company Zurich.
Paul Redington, a senior loss manager at Zurich, cautioned that the allure of lower energy bills might encourage some to postpone activating their heating systems, but this could end up being counterproductive. He explained that as the mercury starts to fall, the likelihood of water freezing, resulting in ruptured and impaired pipes, increases. A significant portion of this situation can be traced back to families attempting to conserve energy.
He further stated that water leakage could result in damage costing thousands of pounds. In extreme scenarios, a ruptured pipe frequently compels individuals to seek temporary housing while their homes are being dried and restored.
Redington recommended insulating outdoor taps or pipes connected to combi-boilers to shield them from frost. He also proposed conducting annual inspections for leaks in areas prone to such issues, including bathrooms, kitchens, and boiler rooms.
In conclusion, while the instinct to save on energy bills is understandable, it’s important to consider the potential long-term costs. As the winter months approach, households are urged to take preventative measures to avoid the risk of costly damages.