A poll has found that the average Brit will spend 177 hours on the sofa this winter, equivalent to seven days and nine hours over a 13-week period, or almost 10 billion hours collectively nationwide. The survey also revealed that 94% admit there is something they look forward to about the colder months.
Cosy evenings and festive highlights
Cosy evenings indoors lead the list of winter highlights, followed by Christmas excitement, traditional Sunday roasts, steaming hot chocolate and beloved winter films. Watching snow fall from the warmth of home, snuggling under a blanket, festive markets, brisk winter strolls and warming comfort food also feature among the nation's seasonal favourites.
The typical Brit will clock over 12 hours watching films, television and box sets, and nearly nine hours cooking homemade meals. Home Alone is the nation's top winter film, beating Elf, Harry Potter, Love Actually and Die Hard.
Heating and plumbing neglected
The survey for Metro Plumb revealed that while Brits invest considerable effort preparing themselves for winter, their homes do not always receive the same attention. Three quarters confess they only consider their heating and plumbing once problems arise.
Over one in five have overlooked a dripping tap for at least a week, while 10% have tolerated a constantly running loo, 10% mould or recurring mould problems, and 6% an unexplained damp spot.
Expert advice and checklist
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 created a Home Health Checklist offering four simple places to start.
