As the cost of living soars, Britons are setting their thermostats lower than other Europeans, facing quadrupled energy bills. Meanwhile, nurses feel the financial strain, and smart technology offers some respite.
Brits have been setting their indoor temperatures lower than their European counterparts in response to the rising cost of living, according to a study by tado°. Analysing data from over 650,000 homes across Europe and the UK in January, the study found that the average indoor temperature in British homes was 16.6°C, the lowest in the comparison. In contrast, countries like Denmark and Sweden maintained averages close to 20°C, with the overall European average at 18.38°C. This comes as UK households face sharply increased energy costs, which have nearly quadrupled from October 2021 to January 2023.
In related news, a survey by the Royal College of Nursing of 11,000 NHS nurses in England revealed that 60% are using credit or savings to manage living expenses, with many reducing energy usage and skipping meals. The financial strain has impacted their mental health, with 43% reporting adverse effects. The Royal College of Nursing attributed these challenges to a 25% real-terms decline in nurses’ incomes since 2010 and highlighted the need for better support against the backdrop of nearly 35,000 nursing vacancies in the NHS.
Meanwhile, as households look for ways to reduce expenses, smart technology emerges as a solution for energy efficiency and cost reduction. British Gas’s smart home expert, Hive, emphasizes the benefits of LED bulbs, smart plugs, and smart thermostats in managing energy consumption. These technologies, along with using off-peak energy and efficient cooking methods, are suggested as ways to help UK residents navigate the financial challenges posed by higher energy bills.
