More than 5.7 million Australians say they’ve gone without heating or cooling because they couldn’t afford it, with experts warning the health risks can be especially serious for older people.

Millions of Australians are cutting back on heating this winter, not because they want to, but because they say they can’t afford to switch it on according to research.

New research from comparison site Finder has found more than one in four Australians have gone without heating or cooling when they needed it because of rising energy costs, as household budgets remain under pressure.

For older Australians, the findings are particularly concerning. While younger people are more likely to go without heating or cooling, health experts warn prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can pose serious risks for seniors and those with existing medical conditions.

Finder’s survey of 1010 Australians found 27 per cent — the equivalent of about 5.7 million people nationwide — have skipped heating or cooling because of the cost.

Of those surveyed, 12 per cent said it happens regularly, while another 15 per cent said it has happened at least once.

The research found younger Australians were the most affected financially, with 36 per cent of Gen Z respondents and 32 per cent of millennials saying they had gone without heating or cooling because they couldn’t afford it. That compares with 13 per cent of baby boomers.

More than just uncomfortable

Finder utilities expert Mariam Gabaji said the cost-of-living crisis was becoming a health issue for many households.

“Going without heating in winter or cooling in summer isn’t just uncomfortable – it can be dangerous,” she said.

“While heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster, the cold poses serious risks too, particularly for the elderly, young children and those with existing health conditions.”

The survey also found another 25 per cent of Australians have so far managed to keep their homes comfortable but worry they may no longer be able to afford to do so.

Just under half (48 per cent) said they had always been able to afford adequate heating and cooling.

Gabaji said many Australians were facing an impossible choice: “Nobody should have to choose between paying their energy bill and staying comfortable in their own home, but that is the reality for millions of people right now.”

Ways to reduce energy costs

Heating and cooling can account for up to half of the average household energy bill, making it one of the biggest opportunities to cut costs.

Gabaji said comparing energy plans remained one of the simplest ways to reduce bills.

“Comparing your energy plan is still the single most impactful thing most households can do – many are paying hundreds of dollars more than they need to,” Gabaji said.

“Remember loyalty to one provider almost always costs you money, especially if you’ve been with them for many years. The easiest win for most is to switch to a better deal.”

Finder also recommends:

• Running washing machines and dishwashers only when full.
• Drying clothes on the line instead of using the dryer where possible.
• Letting hot food cool before placing it in the fridge.
• Checking whether you’re eligible for state or federal energy rebates and concessions.
• Improving insulation or sealing gaps around doors and windows to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Finder says households that haven’t compared electricity plans in the past year could be paying considerably more than they need to, while rebates and a few simple changes at home may also help keep winter energy bills under control.

Check out Here’s How To Save Energy