Families across the UK are implementing new household rules in a bid to combat the soaring costs of living.

New research has showed that 63 percent are now insisting on lights being turned off when not in use and 59 percent are enforcing strict recycling of plastics, cardboard, and glass.

Meanwhile a significant 56 percent of households are making it a rule to never try and waste food.

Smart Energy GB has unveiled the essential guidelines for a harmonious and economical home life through fresh research into British family habits, reports the Mirror.

An overwhelming 97 percent of families believe that having clear house rules is crucial, and an even higher 98 percent concur that establishing what behaviour is acceptable is essential for a peaceful home environment.

The financial squeeze, exacerbated by escalating energy bills and the relentless cost-of-living crisis, has led to 89 percent of households adopting more energy-saving measures, with nearly half (48 percent) creating specific rules to maximise energy efficiency.

Victoria Bacon from Smart Energy GB commented on the findings, stating: “It’s clear from the research that house rules have an important place in a modern home, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis rumbling on and many people conscious of taking steps to keep bills down.

“There are several changes you can make at no additional cost, like requesting a smart meter from your energy supplier, which are simple to do and effective at helping to put you in control of your energy use and keep your bills down.

“If you rent and the energy bill is in your name, you can ask your energy supplier to fit a smart meter, but it’s recommended that you tell your landlord before you get one. If your landlord pays the bills, ask them if they would be happy to arrange the upgrade.”

A stunning 77 percent of Britons believe that house rules help their homes to run smoothly, with 66 percent introducing clear directives to identify what is acceptable behaviour.

Reasons for implementing house rules include limiting arguments (50 percent), motivating people to take responsibility for the household (49 percent), establishing expectations (44 percent) and urging individuals to think about costs (35 percent).

Interestingly, 26 percent expressed the wish to get members of their household more attuned to the environment and mindful of how their choices impact the world.

However, when it comes to whether you are the homeowner or a tenant, the priorities for household rules can fluctuate.

Definitionally, the data demonstrated homeowners express a preference for lights being switched off upon leaving a room (69 percent), zero food waste (58 percent), removing shoes at the front door (53 percent), avoiding screen-time at the dinner table (41 percent) and turning off electrical goods at the plug (36 percent) – all as cost-saving measures.

Meanwhile, 55 percent of renters want their household members to consistently recycle plastics and cardboard, 27 percent don’t want the thermostat turned up without consultation, 23 percent prefer water to be boiled only when needed, and 19 percent insist on running the dishwasher only when it’s full.

Of the 2,000 UK residents surveyed, two thirds (69 percent) reported having house rules during their childhood, with one in four (24 percent) enforcing the same rules in their own homes.

The survey found that teenagers (28 percent) and children under 12 (27 percent) are most likely to break these house rules. Interestingly, one in ten (11 percent) parents confessed to being the actual rule-breakers in their homes.

A whopping 90 percent admitted to feeling irritated when a house rule is broken, leading to an average of five disputes per week.

Despite this, over a third (38 percent) confessed to breaking a friend or family member’s house rule while visiting their home.

Modern rules brought in by families

1. Always turn off the lights when leaving the home – 63%
2. Always put plastic, cardboard and glass in the recycling – 59%
3. Don’t waste food – 56%
4. Shoes off at the front door – 51%
5. Always be as energy efficient as possible – 48%
6. Don’t leave wet towels on the floor – 41%
7. No screens at the dinner table – 38%
8. Don’t put empty cartons back in the fridge – 37%
9. Wipe up your crumbs after making food – 37%
10. Turn electrical items off at the plug – 36%
11. Don’t leave plates and glasses in the bedroom – 34%
12. Don’t switch TV channels when someone is watching a programme – 32%
13. Always put things back where you found them – 32%
14. Only boil the water you need – 30%
15. Always put the toilet seat down – 30%
16. Don’t turn the thermostat up without asking – 27%
17. Close doors when you leave a room – 26%
18. Always wash the bath/shower down after use – 25%
19. Only put the dishwasher on when it’s full – 24%
20. Don’t leave your phone on charge overnight – 18%