Here’s all of the top things that couples argue about around the house

We've all been there...

The poll of 2,000 co-habiting adults explored the biggest sources of tension in British households, with the volume of the TV and how to correctly stack the dishwasher also among the top 30.

Other things that cause couples to bicker include using up the last of the milk and not saying anything, squeezing rubbish into an already overflowing bin and leaving shoes in the middle of the floor.

And some things are noticed more by women than men – as 21 per cent complained about their other half not doing their fair share of the chores (versus 15 per cent of men).

While 15 per cent resent finding toilet roll cores anywhere except in the bin (versus 10 per cent of men).

A spokesperson for Utilita, which commissioned the research as part of its High5 campaign, which includes how turning the heating down by one degree can save the average household more than £100 a year, said: “It’s natural that certain topics may sometimes lead to small disagreements between couples.

“And when you really think about it, most of these come down to tiny everyday habits that are easy to fix with a bit of teamwork.

“Finding a compromise that works for both parties can not only save unnecessary arguments but also, in some cases, even much needed cash.

“So, keep that in mind next time you reach for the thermostat dial in secret or before rushing out of house without checking all the lights are off.”

The study also found that while 40 per cent of both genders claimed they tend to reach a compromise, 29 per cent of men considered themselves to be the winner the majority of the time, with just five per cent naming their partner as the victor.

While 19 per cent of women claimed they usually come out on top, with only five per cent saying it's usually their other half.

In a similar vein, 29 per cent of women claimed to have the final say over the thermostat setting (compared to 15 per cent of men).

But this is likely to lead to hotter homes, as 41 per cent of women admitted they prefer the temperature warmer than their partner does.

Almost a third (32 per cent) also owned up to secretly turning up the dial when their other half isn’t looking, according to the OnePoll.com data.

When making this all-important decision on the thermostat setting, people are most likely to take into account their own comfort level (51 per cent) and the cost, (45 per cent), before their partner’s comfort (44 per cent).

Utilita’s spokesperson 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.”

Top 30 couples' household arguments

1. Leaving the lights on in unoccupied rooms 23%
2. What temperature to have the heating 19%
3. Not doing the fair share of the chores 18%
4. Leaving shoes in the middle of the floor/ in the doorway 17%
5. What volume to have the TV 16%
6. Squeezing rubbish into an already full bin rather than emptying it 16%
7. Not taking items which have been left on the stairs up when you walk past 16%
8. Using up the last of something like the milk/ toilet roll and not saying anything 15%
9. Not changing the empty toilet roll when the last of it is used 15%
10. Leaving dirty washing on the floor 14%
11. At what temperature the heating should come on 14%
12. Leaving dirty plates next to the dishwasher rather than in it 13%
13. How to stack the dishwasher 13%
14. Leaving toilet roll cores anywhere but the bin 13%
15. Leaving the dishes to soak rather than just washing them up 12%
16. Whether the toilet seat should be up or down 12%
17. What to have for dinner 11%
18. Phone use at the dinner table 11%
19. Someone leaving plates / glasses in their bedroom 10%
20. Slamming doors 10%
21. Emptying the bins but not putting in a new bin bag 10%
22. Leaving hair in the plug hole 9%
23. Leaving recycling next to the bin rather than in it 9%
24. Fighting over the TV remote / what to watch on TV 8%
25. Moving a phone charger from its expected location  8%
26. Leaving wet towels on the bathroom floor  8%
27. Eating the last biscuit/chocolate 8%
28. Taking too long in the shower and using all of the hot water 8%
29. Hogging the bathroom 7%
30. Who is going to take the bins out 6%