The cost-of-living crisis and pay-cap announcements are top of mind amongst the public, with most seasonal headlines reflecting these concerns. Stoov, the Dutch infrared heating brand aiming to warm Brits sustainably while saving on energy bills, found out how heating is affecting relationships at home. You can also check out our review of Stoov here.
Low temps = high tensions
When surveying Brits, Stoov discovered that tensions are both common, and high: over half of respondents have argued over when to turn on the heat this winter. Age factors in, too: Gen Z are most likely to have this argument (81%), in contrast with Millennials despite them being the ones who are most likely to turn on the heating first (62%).
Tensions largely stem from stress around the cost of heating: 85% of respondents are worried about energy costs this winter – 42% even feel more stressed than last year. Despite women (89%) and men (81%) feeling similar levels of anxiety, arguments may stem from which rooms need heating first. While couples agree on heating the living room (69%) and bedroom (32%) first, other rooms align with personal preference; women like to heat the bathroom (9%), while men prefer the kitchen (7%).
Heating Grinch vs. Chilly Billy
The gender temperature gap is a smaller factor in the home surprisingly, compared to places like the office or gym. Despite 86% of female respondents falling into the Chilly Billy category, saying they always feel cold, women are only 10% more likely to turn on the heat than men. Many opt to use additional layers of clothing to stay warm: 89% of respondents wear layers, most stop at two (43%) before turning on the heat.
Interestingly, four in ten of respondents have chosen to buy personal heating products like heating blankets, pads, cushions or hot water bottles, to reduce or circumvent the need for central heating altogether.
Despite finances at home having been a traditionally male-dominated space, progress has been made within modern relationships as financial control balances out between men and women. Men are only 8% more likely to pay the energy bills, and 4% more likely to have saved to create a buffer for heating costs, when compared to women. This implies that financial responsibility is becoming increasingly shared within British partnerships.
Becky Nascimento, UK Country Manager at Stoov says, “We often underestimate how much temperature can affect our wellbeing and headspace, especially at home. When finances become involved, it only becomes more complex. This survey shows that many Brits feel they must choose between financial savings and physical comfort, which affects the social dynamic at home. Luckily, many people looking for affordable, sustainable alternatives to central heating have discovered personal heating products as an ideal solution to ease tensions, as people can establish their own, ideal environment, anywhere in the home – even with their partner right next to them.”