Britain In Denial About Winter
New research, unveiled today, shows that people in Britain are ‘burying their heads in the sand’ and failing to prepare for winter.
Despite last winter being one of the worst for 30 years, and predictions of another cold winter this year, a British Gas survey has found that 68 per cent of people fail to prepare their homes for winter before a problem arises, with 41 per cent doing nothing at all and a further 27 per cent only taking action once something has gone wrong.
The survey has also shown that, unlike our Scandinavian counterparts who embrace and enjoy the season, more than three-quarters of Brits dread winter and more than half say it is their least favourite time of the year.
Almost a fifth (17 per cent) even avoid buying winter clothing as they refuse to believe it will be consistently cold enough to justify the purchase.
Yet the research, backed by psychologist Dr Cecilia d’Felice, points to potential chilling consequences of this denial. It shows that almost half of Brits (43 per cent) will suffer from low mood and 41 per cent will endure low energy in the months ahead.
According to Dr d’Felice, this Monday 18 October, is Winter Denial Day - the day when Brits have their heads most buried in the sand about winter. This is based on temperature forecasts, daylight hours and holiday planning statistics
In order to reduce the potential emotional and psychological consequences of winter, Dr d’Felice is urging Brits to embrace the upcoming season:
"Winter can be such a positive time to enjoy together with family and friends - we know from the research that over half of Brits are already looking forward to cosy nights in.
2Avoidance is never a helpful strategy in life - it’s much better to face up to an issue rather than waste valuable energy trying to suppress it.
2My advice to people is to make all the necessary preparations for winter now and then go and embrace the frosty season - you’ll find your outlook will be greatly improved.2
Chris Jansen, Managing Director Home Services, British Gas, said: "We look after half the homes in the country, which means it’s our responsibility to help the nation prepare their homes for winter.
"That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to check their boilers now, before the cold winter really kicks in, and ensure they don’t get caught out.
"We’re doing our bit too - we’re introducing a winter pledge which means we will do all we can to make sure our customer have the heat and hot water they need."
Almost a quarter of Brits (24 per cent), equivalent to more than 14 million people, have suffered from the inconvenience of boiler breakdowns in previous winters.
British Gas is urging the country to take action now to winter-proof their homes and avoid the boiler blues. They are predicting the weekend of 30 and 31 October will be this year’s Boiler Breakdown weekend - the first peak in emergency call-outs due to heating failure as the cold snap tightens its grip and the clocks go back.
Tipsto getting your house ready for winter:
1. Love your boiler: Check to make sure your boiler is working properly before winter sets in.
2. Bleed your radiators: to make sure they are working properly.
3. Curtail with curtains: Hang heavy, lined curtains at windows to help keep the heat in and close them as soon as it starts getting dark.
4. Combat your thermostat: Set your room thermostat at or around the recommended temperature of 21°c (70°f). If you turn down your heating thermostat by 1°C you could save around £60 a year.
5. Only heat the rooms you use: Fit thermostatic radiator valves to your radiators so you only heat the rooms you use.
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