Keeping our homes neat and tidy has been identified as one of the most common causes of household disputes, closely followed by arguments over the volume of devices such as TVs and mobile phones.
A recent survey aimed to resolve some of the nation’s most frequent domestic squabbles once and for all. But which side are you on?
The survey, which polled 2,000 adults, found that a majority (70%) agreed it was acceptable to have a TV in the bedroom, but insisted that all tech should be completely switched off and not left on standby.
As for bathroom etiquette, 73% agreed that towels should be soft and not ‘crispy’, while 63% said it unacceptable to leave the toilet seat up.
In the kitchen, 51% of households said dishes should be rinsed before being placed in the dishwasher, and 69% believed ovens should always be preheated before food is put in.
To ensure only necessary energy was used, eight out of 10 respondents said the kettle should be boiled with the exact amount of water needed and water should never be left running while brushing teeth.
According to research by Smart Energy GB, energy habits are the main cause of more household disagreements for a fifth of households who argue about the topic more than anything else.
Over a third of those who argue about energy consumption admitted that their smart meter has helped them find more common ground, as they were able to monitor usage in real time and find the most energy-efficient solutions.
Podcaster Kate Lawler, from the ‘Boj & Kate Have A Lot On Their Plate’ podcast, revealed that her smart meter has helped to resolve tired debates with her husband Martin Bojtos.
“As two foodies most of our debates tend to happen in the kitchen,” she said “but not just about what we’re cooking.”
“Boj taught me everything I know about how to load a dishwasher, but somehow, he still always manages to put it on when it’s only half full.”
The study also discovered that the majority of households believe lamps should always be used in the evenings instead of the main light and extra layers should be worn before turning on the heating.
Laundry was another area of disagreement, with those surveyed deciding an extra spin cycle should be run to help clothes dry faster, and laundry should be sorted by colour and fabric.
“Every household has its favourite debates,” said Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB “When juggling our daily routines we all need to negotiate and compromise from time to time”.
“Having tools like a smart meter and in-home display to hand can help people make informed choices to save money and energy.”
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