UK consumers are turning to tradespeople for advice on cutting their energy bills as rising prices continue to put pressure on household incomes
New research from trade tool retailer Screwfix revealed that 91 per cent of tradespeople surveyed have dealt with a customer enquiry relating to an energy-saving product or solution over the last year.
More than three quarters (76 per cent) of respondents said their customers seem more worried about their household energy bills now than they were last year.
Nearly half (47 per cent) predict demand for energy-efficient products will be higher during the winter months ahead than in the previous year, with only 3 per cent thinking it will be lower.
Despite a growing appetite for energy-saving improvements, the research also identified several barriers preventing households from acting, with more than four in ten (42 per cent) tradespeople identifying upfront cost as the biggest barrier to customers adopting energy-saving measures.
Other factors holding consumers back include uncertainty over the level of savings that could be achieved (13 per cent) and a perceived lack of government support and incentives (12 per cent).
However, the findings also demonstrate that consumers are actively seeking solutions. LED lighting, solar panels, smart thermostats/smart heating and loft insulation, were cited as the most enquired about solutions from the last 12 months.
Max Britten, Managing Director at Screwfix, said: “Once again, the day-to-day experiences of the UK’s tradespeople provide a valuable insight into how households are thinking about the energy efficiency challenge and the steps they are taking to address it.
“They are at the forefront of helping homeowners understand the changes they can make to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use. We’re committed to helping tradespeople get every job done quickly, affordably and right first time. That support matters more than ever as they help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce energy costs.”
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