New research found that 30% of the local Northern Ireland public put their heating on for five extra hours per day in December and January, with 45% saying they also wear extra clothes in bed.
CompareNI.com compiled a survey of the key energy issues affecting local households this winter.
In November, Northern Ireland’s largest electricity supplier announced its first price increase in more than a year. Household electricity will rise by 4% from December 2024 adding about £38 onto the typical household annual bill which will rise from £951 to £989.
The research found that the increasing cost of living has been tough on households throughout Northern Ireland. The Utility Regulator’s Energy Hardship report showed that many participants were skipping meals or reducing their energy use to levels below their daily living needs in a bid to try and keep costs down.
Ian Wilson, managing director at CompareNI, said: “It’s a worrying time of year for households across Northern Ireland as temperatures start to drop and they reach for the heating switch.
“Households have had to battle surging cost of living expenses throughout 2024 and these additional winter heating costs are a step too far for many. Anyone struggling to pay their bills can speak to their energy supplier for help and advice.
“Over half of those surveyed, 53%, said they would like to change their type of heating but say it’s too expensive to do so.
“However there are steps people can take to help reduce their current energy costs, such as regularly servicing their boiler – they may find they can turn the thermostat down, given the boiler is now working more efficiently and save on energy.
“It’s also a requirement to keep your home insurance valid that the boiler is serviced regularly by a professional and well maintained – worrying 32% of those surveyed didn’t realise that.”
The survey also showed people in Northern Ireland are keen to find cheaper and greener solutions to their energy needs, with 50% saying they would change to renewable heating.
They were not so keen to try a hydrogen boiler, 12% said yes to giving it a try with 63% citing they didn’t know enough about this new energy source.