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It may be a tiny dial, but the thermostat is the cause of major domestic strife in British households, with disagreeing on the heating temperature being one of the top two arguments couples have at home.A poll of 2,000 co-habiting adults uncovered the biggest sources of tension in British households, with leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms taking the number one spot, closely followed by the thermostat battle.

Other daily irritations that cause couples to bicker include the volume of the TV, how to correctly stack the dishwasher, using up the last of the milk without saying anything, and leaving shoes in the middle of the floor.

The study found that arguments often boil down to differing comfort levels and a gender divide in temperature preference. While 40% of both genders claim they tend to reach a compromise, 41% of women admitted they prefer the temperature warmer than their partner does.

Consequently, 29% of women claimed to have the final say over the thermostat setting, compared to just 15% of men. What's more, almost a third (32%) of women also owned up to secretly turning up the dial when their other half isn't looking.

When couples do decide on the setting, they are most likely to take into account their own comfort level (51%) and the cost (45%), before their partner's comfort (44%).

The research was commissioned by Utilita as part of itsHigh5 campaign, which advises that turning the heating down by just one degree can save the average household more than £100 a year.

A spokesperson for Utilita commented: "Finding a compromise that works for both parties can not only save unnecessary arguments but also, in some cases, even much needed cash."

They added: "We want to make sure everyone knows, regardless of their personal heating preferences, that saving energy doesn't have to mean compromising on comfort.

"By making small, simple changes, you can keep everyone happy and cozy while lowering your bills."