Following record-breaking temperatures in June, which were the highest on record for the month of June since 1850, Brits continue to maintain the same winter heating behaviours we had in December. Even with expert advice to turn off our heating come spring; our stoicism means we follow the same routines and just enjoy being quintessentially cosy.  

Topping the charts with the highest all year round home heating temperatures are Belfast (20.3°C), Glasgow (20.3°C), Sheffield (20.2°C) and Birmingham (20°C), who rather than retreating into the cool barely dropped the dial. According to a recent survey by Hello Hydrogen of 2,000 Brits, Belfast and Glasgow are nearly a whole degree higher that the average national home temperature of 19.4°C which is near enough the heating recommendation given by experts during the winter months. 

The findings suggest that as a nation Brits prefer consistent temperatures in their homes throughout the year, regardless of outdoor conditions. In fact, over half (57 percent) of respondents described themselves as creatures of habit.  

The need for warmth and comfort seems ingrained in us. With relative similarities found across demographic groups, Gen-Z (born 1997 to 2012) enjoy the warmest homes, with an average indoor temperature of 19.7°C compared to the 60+ age group, who recorded having the lowest average heating temperature with 18.9°C.  

Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Services at Worcester Bosch, understands that Brits like to keep their homes at a consistent temperate, however says “You cannot underestimate how important it is to take control of your home heating. Simple but effective changes, could have a significant impact on our future.” 

When we compare Belfast (20.3°C), Glasgow (20.3°C), Sheffield (20.2°C) and Birmingham (20°C), to Brighton (18.9°C), Cambridge (18.5°C), Bristol (18.4°C), and Norwich (18.3°C) it is consistent with the general understanding that the northern regions are cooler, and therefore, have higher home temperatures. 

Highest average heating temperatures across all seasons: 

1.    Belfast – 20.3°C  

1.    Glasgow – 20.3°C 

2.    Sheffield – 20.2°C 

3.    Birmingham – 20.0°C 

4.    London – 19.9°C 

4.    Stoke-on-Trent – 19.9°C 

5.    Newcastle upon Tyne – 19.7°C 

6.    Manchester – 19.5°C 

7.    Leeds – 19.3°C 

7.    Oxford – 19.3°C 

8.    Edinburgh – 19.2°C 

8.    Nottingham – 19.2°C 

9.    Plymouth – 19.1°C 

10.  Liverpool – 19.0°C 

10.  Leicester – 19.0°C 

11.  Cardiff – 18.9°C 

11.  Brighton – 18.9°C 

12.  Cambridge – 18.5°C 

13.  Bristol – 18.4°C 

14.  Norwich – 18.3°C 

Interestingly, 57 percent of Brits across all regions highlighted that the only reason for making a change in their day-to-day would be to save money. Worcester Bosch, the UK's leading home heating and hot water provider, is committed to helping homeowners break these habits by showing them how they can benefit their wallets. By turning your heating down by 1°C you can save around £145 a year on your bills.1  

Those in Belfast and Glasgow are missing out in comparison to residents in Norwich who are saving a whopping £285 annually, which could cover the cost of a new boiler in 10 years, such as the Worcester Bosch’s Greenstar 8000 boiler. In addition to adjusting the thermostat come spring and summer, Worcester Bosch has several ways to save some dosh all year long. Simple things such as bleeding the air out of your radiators you can ensure your heating system operates at full efficiency, keeping your house warm.

Neglecting this maintenance task can result in uneven heat distribution, leading to unnecessary heat reduction, even when you believe you are being consistent… Separately, you can lower your bills by up to £1252  a year by draught-proofing, reducing heat loss from gaps, holes or cracks in windows, floorboard and doors.    

With financial pressures affecting the majority of Brits, it is time to kick old habits to the curb!