The hot and cold debates sparking across the nation

●      New research reveals that almost a fifth (18%) of British households are squabbling more about energy use than any other topic

●      In fact, despite Valentine’s Day being just days away, most (85%) couples say they’re disagreeing about energy use at least every few months

●      The biggest bickers include the TV volume (25%), what date it is acceptable to turn the central heating on (20%), and whether to put on the big light or small lamps (15%)

●      Over a third (35%) say that their smart meter has been key in helping them reach common ground, providing greater visibility, control and flexibility over their energy use and bills

●      Households that have a smart meter believe they have saved an average of £140 per year by using it to help with energy management

●      Smart Energy GB has teamed up with podcast duo and frequent debaters Kate Lawler and husband Boj, as well as psychologist Dr Becky Spelman, to help put Brits’ debates to bed

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, sparks are flying across Britain - but not in the way you’d expect, with many households debating how they use energy around the home.

From laundry routines to the most efficient appliances to use, 6 of the 10 top debates getting households heated are to do with energy use.

In fact, new research from Smart Energy GB found almost a fifth (18%) of households now say they bicker and banter about energy habits more than any other topic, with over a third (35%) of couples admitting they get into energy related debates at least once a week.

And the common causes of contention are clear, as it’s revealed 74% prefer a soft towel over crispy, 59% think ketchup should be in the fridge over the cupboard and only 13% prefer the big light over smaller lamps. A quarter (25%) are quarrelling over the volume of the TV and 19% disagree on whether the bedroom window should be open or closed at night.

High energy tasks like running the dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer can also divide opinion. Half (51%) believe you should always rinse dishes before dishwashing while 28% disagree, and 43% are adamant that running an extra spin cycle can help clothes dry faster, with 36% thinking it makes no difference.

 And it seems there is hope for harmony, as almost three-quarters (72%) of households with a smart meter have benefited from having one, because they are able to track energy usage in near-real time (36%), have greater visibility of their energy usage (28%) and feel more in control (27%). What’s more, 37% understand their energy usage better, which has helped to put some of these popular debates to bed.

Almost two in five (37%) also say they use their smart meter to access energy reward schemes, which suit flexible schedules and can help households to save some money on their bills. These schemes encourage households to shift their energy usage away from peak hours, either by rewarding them for using less energy when demand is very high or offering cheaper energy when demand is lower.

Households that have a smart meter believe they have saved an average of £140 per year by using it to help with energy management and provide a better understanding of their energy consumption.

And for those adopting a more flexible approach to their energy use, the financial benefits are clear. Nine in ten (94%) of those who have participated in an energy reward scheme say they’ve noticed a difference and been rewarded, with things like credit towards their bill (50%), saving money (47%) or having cheaper or free energy (38%).

To help households see how to flex their energy use and meet in the middle when it comes to the most common household energy debates, Smart Energy GB has teamed up with podcast duo, Kate Lawler, and husband, Boj, who confess to being top household energy debaters.

Kate said: “As two foodies, most of our debates tend to happen in the kitchen, but not just about what we’re cooking - Boj taught me everything I know about how to load a dishwasher, but somehow he still always manages to put it on when it’s only half full.

“Whilst there are some rituals I won’t budge on, having a smart meter has been a real game changer when it comes to settling our household debates. We’ve recently found out about the benefits of reward schemes, and our energy provider offers free electricity at certain times. Which will be lucky when I feel chilly, so Boj doesn't mind if I turn the thermostat up a bit!"

Psychologist Dr Becky Spelman said: "Habits, fairness, and control are the things most couples bicker about, especially if they’re living together. From heating battles to never-ending laundry cycles, household habits are up for contention – but they’re small squabbles that just need a little flexibility to navigate. In fact, a smart meter can help shift the focus from frustration to facts, making it easier to meet your loved ones in the middle and make decisions on the debates that involve energy use."

Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB comments: “Every household has its favourite debates. Our research shows that a little flexibility can really help with those niggles that seem to be a common theme for so many of us.

“When juggling our daily routines, we all need to negotiate and compromise from time to time, but having tools like a smart meter and in-home display to hand can help people make informed choices to save money and energy.”

The top 10 household debates revealed:

1. The volume of the TV
2. The tidiness of the house
3. On which date the heating can be turned on
4. Having the bedroom window open or closed over night
5. Leaving appliances on standby
6. Using the big light or lamps
7. The correct way to load the dishwasher
8. Wearing shoes in the house
9. Laundry routines
10. Vacuuming routines

For more information on smart meters or energy reward schemes, you can search ‘Get a smart meter’.