Consumers refuse to be frozen this winter

Consumers refuse to be intimidated by higher fuel bills as one in three people plan to turn on their heating earlier this year according to the latest poll by money website Fool.co.uk.

In theory, soaring gas and electricity prices should force a re-think of long-established conventions. However, one in three people (37%) say they refuse to be frozen this winter even if delaying turning on the heating could save £60 a month. A third (30%) say they have put on the central heating earlier this year.

This year's bad summer has seen a handful of households (8%) already turn on their heating, and one in 50 keep their central heating on all year round.

Typically most people (59%) switch on their heating in October. One in five (15%) normally hang on until November, and one in 50 (2%) manage to hold out until December before firing up their radiators.

David Kuo, Head of Personal Finance at Fool.co.uk, says: "We use too much, lose too much and pay too much for our energy. Thankfully, we can do something about all these things.

"If you have never changed energy provider then consider switching to a cheaper tariff. You should also check to make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to. Additionally, energy companies are obliged to help people who have trouble paying their bills.

"No one in the 21 century should have to live in freezing conditions to save money, regardless of how expensive fuel bills rise. After all, Queen Victoria's reign ended in 1901."

Fool.co.uk's helpful tips to reduce energy bills:

Switch to the cheapest energy tariff by using Fool.co.uk's energy comparison tool

Pay for your energy by direct debit. This can shave up to 10% off your bills

Check your meter-readings are correct

Put your heating on a timer, so you avoid forgetting to switch it off

Reducing your thermostat by a couple of degrees can help reduce your bills

Check if you are entitled to a social energy tariff, any special heating benefits or extra funding

Switch off lights, wash at lower temperatures and use energy-saving bulbs wherever possible

Insulate your home properly. Everyone is entitled to at least 50% off the cost of doing this, through a government scheme

Wear extra jumpers and use extra duvets and blankets when you can