New research by heating and cooling experts BOXT has revealed the nation falls into four distinct “energy personalities”, from ‘careful foxes’ and ‘cosy bears’ to ‘chaotic beavers’ based on the way they use energy at home.
But while many households believe they are savvy with their usage, the reality tells a different story.
The study of 1,000 UK adults found nearly three-quarters (74%) of Brits admit to leaving appliances on standby and overfilling the kettle, while 73% leave the TV running in the background – habits that could collectively add up to £470 a year to household bills.
And with energy costs expected to rise again later this year, experts warn now is the time to tackle wasteful routines before winter arrives.
According to the research by the smart home installation platform, Brits typically identify with one of four energy personalities.
The most common type was the ‘Fox’, with a third (33%) of people describing themselves this way.
Foxes are careful, organised and constantly thinking about how to reduce bills.
They monitor heating, switch appliances off and try to avoid unnecessary usage wherever possible.
But despite seeing themselves as efficient, many are still slipping into expensive habits.
Almost half (44%) admitted to heating rooms they are not using, while 59% still leave appliances on standby overnight or chargers plugged in unnecessarily.
More than half (59%) also confessed to overfilling or re-boiling kettles and running appliances without full loads.
Even hot water habits proved difficult to break, with 52% of ‘Foxes’ saying they still take long showers.
Meanwhile, over a quarter of Brits (26%) identified as ‘Bears’.
These are the households that prioritise comfort over caution, keeping the heating steady, the hot water flowing and the home feeling warm at all times.
While it may feel harmless, experts say this “always-on” approach creates a constant level of energy use that quietly drives up costs over time.
Around 15% identified as ‘Beavers’ – households driven more by routine than efficiency.
These are the people who leave lights on while rushing around, boil too much water, leave the TV running in empty rooms and stick half-empty loads in the washing machine because they are too busy to think twice.
Individually, the habits seem minor but together they can significantly increase bills.
At the opposite end of the scale were the ‘Pigs’, making up fewer than one in 10 households.
These homes reported the highest levels of waste across almost every behaviour measured, from heating unused rooms to leaving devices permanently switched on.
The findings suggest many households underestimate just how much energy they waste day-to-day.
Nearly two-thirds of people (64%) admitted to leaving the heating on longer than necessary, while more than half (53%) said they run it “just in case”.
Others confessed to accidentally leaving the heating running while away from home, including during holidays.
Angus Struthers, Managing Director at BOXT, said many households are wasting energy without even realising it.
He said: “With the prospect of higher energy prices returning later this year, households can’t afford to let these habits go unchecked.
(Image: Jam Press/BOXT)
“What we’re seeing is that most energy waste isn’t deliberate, it’s driven by routine.
“People are doing what feels normal, keeping the home warm, leaving things running in the background, not realising how much that baseline usage adds up over time.
“The key point is that these are habits, and habits can be changed.
“Making small adjustments now, particularly as we head into the warmer months, can have a significant impact by the time we reach winter, when energy use increases naturally.”
Brits can discover their own “energy animal” by taking BOXT’s online quiz.
