Emily Rodwell

Two years on from our previous “Beer Garden Capitals of the UK” study, it's clear that the pub scene across Britain is ever-changing. With new drinking spots sprouting up across the nation, and the cost of a pint continuing its upward march, we wanted to see how the beer garden landscape has changed in 2024. The study scanned locations across the UK, focusing on the number of pubs and bars with outdoor spaces and beer gardens. Additionally, we analysed weather data from the Met Office, which provided insights into average temperatures, sunshine hours, and rainfall levels in these cities.

As the winter chill tightens its grip, households across the UK continue to crank up their heating to stay toasty. However, it's not all smooth sailing! Navigating issues such as heating costs and temperature regulation can certainly spark debate. Our new survey delves into the heated arguments that stem from warming up your home, exposing the thermostat wars that can unfold behind closed doors. 

Most Brits love a BBQ and as we approach the summer months, many are sure to dust off their trusty grills and host a get-together in their garden. We always hope the summer will bring sunshine, but we also know better than to trust the weather forecast. Here at Electric Radiators Direct, we’re delving deep into BBQ-ing habits, discovering how many Brits can’t wait to be back behind the grill – even if that means outdoor cooking in the wind and rain. 

We surveyed 2,000 UK adults on what they say are the perfect BBQ conditions. Alongside this, we’ve analysed the average spring temperatures across the UK, to reveal which locations offer the best temperatures for BBQ-ing.

With rising energy prices, finding new ways to save money is key when it comes to heating your home. From energy support schemes to more conscious usage, the internet is full of advice on how to do this, but there is a solution suitable for every household – zoned heating. By managing your heating on a room-by-room basis, you can save up to 37% on your heating bills. So, let’s take a deeper look at what zoned heating is, how it works and how you can benefit from it. 

The UK continues to face the highest rise in energy prices since 1988, which means the average home spends up to £1,646 every year on electricity alone. Since January 2022, the UK has faced a 129% increase in gas prices and 66% increase in electricity prices. This has resulted in homes across Britain reconsidering their energy usage as many families face bills they cannot afford to pay. And while energy bills have experienced dramatic increases, the UK average salary has only risen by 4% since 2020.

In response to this, we’ve conducted extensive research analysing how the UK compares with Europe when it comes to the rising cost of energy. We’ve also investigated how this correlates with the average annual salary of each of the 27 European countries considered.

Currently, the majority of the country is still heavily relying on fossil fuels for heating. According to recent reports, around 80% of households in the UK are using gas as their main source. Heating systems that rely on fossil fuels are generally less efficient because they see a lot more waste and heat loss, meaning the people using them are paying for warmth they don’t benefit from. Home heating accounts for 14% of the UK’s carbon emissions, which is why improving energy efficiency in homes and providing greener alternatives to gas heating is key to reducing the nation’s carbon footprint. 

Many heating solutions on the market require regular maintenance. Gas central heating needs an annual servicing that costs around £80 on average and even heat pumps require a yearly check-up which can go for up to £150. This is not only costly but it’s also inconvenient and time-consuming. Electric radiators on the other hand, are completely maintenance free. With a wealth of other benefits including DIY installation, lasting warranties and superior efficiency, electric is the perfect, hassle-free heating solution.

With the cost of living crisis biting, it’s no surprise that many people across the country are worried about how much disposable income they will be left with - if any - at the end of the month. The cost of energy has been a particular concern for Brits this year, and unfortunately it doesn't look like the situation will improve any time soon as the autumn and winter months approach. In addition, multiple sources are predicting the new energy price cap increase, which is due to come into effect in October 2022, could push energy costs up even further. With this in mind, we wanted to explore how much of the nation’s salaries are now going on energy bills each year.