As winter approaches, residents in the UK have been cautioned about the financial repercussions of keeping their heating systems switched off.
It has been reported that more energy customers are trying to cut costs by delaying or completely avoiding using their heating.
Nevertheless, experts advise that such actions may result in more significant expenses in the long term.
Although the energy price cap has witnessed a minor reduction this winter, the annual Ofgem-established threshold remains notably high at £1,834.
Last winter, there was a 75% surge in insurance claims related to burst water pipes, primarily attributed to 13 million households choosing to forgo heating usage to save money.
Insurance provider Zurich, which compiled the data, reports that last winter witnessed an average repair bill surge of nearly £4,000, ultimately reaching an alarming £12,791.
Paul Redington, Zurich’s regional major loss manager, said: “As temperatures begin to drop, the risk of frozen water leading to burst and damaged pipes rises.
Mr Redington added: “Much of this can be attributed to households trying to save energy. They should be aware that escape of water could lead to thousands of pounds worth of damage, and even the misery of potentially being out of your home at Christmas.”
