Brits are set to spend 177 hours on the sofa this winter—the equivalent of seven days and nine hours over a 13-week period—while many neglect home maintenance issues such as dripping taps and mould, according to a survey for Metro Plumb.
That figure amounts to nearly 10 billion hours collectively across the nation, as 94% of people say there is something they are anticipating about the colder months. Cosy evenings indoors top the list of winter highlights, followed by Christmas excitement, traditional Sunday roasts, steaming hot chocolate and beloved winter films.
Nation's favourite winter pastimes
The average Brit will spend more than 12 hours watching films, television and box sets, and nearly nine hours cooking homemade meals. Home Alone ranks as the nation's favourite winter film, beating Elf, Harry Potter, Love Actually and Die Hard.
Other seasonal highlights include watching snow fall from the comfort of home, snuggling under a blanket on the settee, festive markets, brisk winter strolls and warming comfort food.
Home care neglected
While Brits put considerable effort into preparing themselves for winter, their homes do not always receive the same level of care. Three quarters admit they only think about their heating and plumbing once issues emerge.
More than one in five homeowners have ignored a dripping tap for at least a week, while 10% have put up with a constantly running toilet, 10% with mould or recurring mould problems, and 6% with an unexplained damp patch.
Advice from Metro Plumb
Steven Chambers, Managing Director of Metro Plumb, commented: "Winter is when our homes really become our sanctuary. We get the jumpers and coats out, cook warming meals and rewatch favourite films. But while we put plenty of effort into getting ourselves ready for winter, three quarters of us only think about the heating and plumbing when something actually goes wrong."
"A dripping tap or running toilet can seem like something you can put up with, but wasted water quickly adds up. Finding and fixing a leak early can help reduce wasted water and unnecessary costs."
Steven added: "If you're noticing cold spots on radiators, rooms that never seem to warm up or a heating system that appears to be working harder than it should, it may be worth having the system assessed for a powerflush. Removing accumulated sludge can improve circulation throughout the system and help restore heating performance."
Metro Plumb has put together a Home Health Checklist offering four straightforward areas to address.
