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.