The growing economic fallout from the Iran War means rental households may have to rethink how they heat their homes.
The UK gas price has hit its highest level for three years.
Gas prices briefly climbed above 165p per therm, more than double the level seen late last year, raising concerns that household energy bills could rise again.
Experts say the crisis could have a knock-on effect for UK households if global energy supplies remain disrupted.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas, has been severely affected in recent days as tensions in the region intensify.
While the UK energy price cap means immediate bill rises are unlikely before July, higher wholesale costs could eventually filter through to consumers.
Paddy Umpleby from Burning Desires – an energy consultancy – says rising energy costs may encourage households to look at more efficient ways to heat their living spaces.
He says: “Gas prices have jumped sharply again, and that naturally makes people think about how efficiently they are heating their homes.
“A lot of the gas fires we see in homes today are older models, and many of them are under 50% efficient.”
Modern high-efficiency gas fires can deliver significantly more usable heat into a room instead of losing it up the chimney.
Umpleby says these appliances can allow homeowners to heat the rooms they are using without relying on full central heating.
“High-efficiency gas fires can comfortably heat large rooms. That means people can warm the space they are using without necessarily heating the whole house.”
Energy specialists say heating individual living areas instead of an entire property can reduce overall energy consumption, particularly during colder months.
Umpleby added that many residents are unaware how much heat older appliances can lose.
“Newer gas fires are designed to keep far more heat in the room. With energy prices so unpredictable, improving efficiency is something many households are starting to consider.”
