Financial pressure ''hitting thermostats''

By MoneyhighStreet Staff. Published on November 20, 2008 This post currently has no comments.

gas hob
One in six consumers (59 per cent) are turning their heating down this winter in an effort to save money, a new survey shows.

Growing financial concerns have even led some to postpone a boiler service, according to research by uSwitch.com.

The survey by the price comparison site found that 42 per cent of people are not getting their boiler checked once per year.

Meanwhile, only 36 per cent have taken out emergency heating cover in case their heating system needs unexpected repairs.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, has urged that people make "sensible cutbacks" rather than risking their health.

She said: "For most people sensible cutbacks, such as delaying switching the heating on and turning the temperature down slightly, will help save money without any serious side effects.

"However, not having an annual gas safety check could have some very serious consequences for both your health and your finances."

A recent poll by Axa revealed that 53 per cent of consumers believe that financial problems such as energy bills are the greatest threat to the nation today.

Financial concerns now rank above terrorism and immigration, which were thought to be the most pressing issues 12 months ago.