With countless energy-saving tips circulating, experts are debunking the “most common” myths to help people reduce their bills – not add to them.
Ofgem increased the energy price cap by five percent on January 1, taking the average energy bill up to £1,928 a year for a typical household using gas and electricity and paying by direct debit.
With costs being so high, implementing energy-saving tips that work is more important than ever. Here are six common energy myths busted by Andy Kerr, founder of BOXT.
Myth 1: Turning the thermostat up to max will heat the room more quickly
According to Mr Kerr, this is a myth. He said: “This is false. Turning the thermostat up will not heat the room more quickly. The thermostat in your heating system controls the desired temperature in the room, not the rate at which the room heats up.”
Increasing the thermostat setting simply tells the heating system to maintain a higher target temperature. Jess Steele, heating technology expert at BestHeating previously said this myth could even end up adding more to bills.
Ms Steele said: “It doesn’t help to turn the thermostat up high to try and heat a room quicker as this only makes the room warmer at the same speed. By the time you turn it off, this will only cost money without reward as it will not make a house feel warmer at all and raise bills.”
Myth 2: It will work out cheaper if I keep the heating on low all day
Mr Kerr said: “This is a myth. The most efficient way to conserve energy and, consequently, save money in the long term, is to have your heating active only when necessary.”
According to Mr Kerr, the “key consideration” is the total energy required to warm the property. Energy constantly escapes from the building, and the extent of which depends on the quality of the insulation.
He explained: “If you keep the heating running all day, you’re losing energy continuously. Therefore, it’s wiser to heat your home solely when the need arises. A timer is highly effective as it allows your thermostat to regulate your heating system by turning it on and off to maintain your desired temperature.”
Myth 3: Leaving the hot water timer on all day will save money
If a person has a system boiler (that comes with storage tanks), switching it on only when hot water is needed can prove cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Mr Kerr said: “If you keep your hot water running continuously, your boiler will continuously heat it even when not required. Instead, employ a timer to heat your water for an hour or two daily, just before your usual usage time.”
However, this does not apply to those who have a combi-boiler, as this type of system works on demand, according to experts at GJS Plumbing and Heating Services.
Additionally, Mr Kerr noted: “Remember to schedule an annual boiler service to maintain peak efficiency. Checking your boiler thermostat is also worthwhile as setting it to maximum can significantly inflate your heating bills.
“To strike a favourable balance between warmth and efficiency, consider setting it to 65C.”
Myth 4: Radiators should be painted black
Mr Kerr said: “There is a misconception that painting radiators black or any other dark colour will enhance their heat radiation efficiency. Dark surfaces, like black, tend to absorb heat and energy, while white surfaces reflect heat.
“Instead of solely depending on the central thermostat for heating control, install thermostatic radiator valves in each room, allowing you to regulate the temperature of individual radiators.”
Myth 5: Turning on the light switch uses energy, so they should just be left on
According to Mr Kerr, this is an “extremely common energy-saving myth” but it’s simply not accurate. The most effective approach has always been to turn off the lights when leaving a room.
Mr Kerr said: “Modifying your lighting habits can have a tangible impact on your carbon footprint. To further reduce energy consumption, consider switching to LED light bulbs when you need to replace a burnt-out bulb.
“LED bulbs boast the highest energy efficiency ratings, which not only benefit your utility bills but also contribute to a more eco-friendly planet.”
Myth 6: Most heat is lost through the windows
Finally, Mr Kerr said that the assertion that most heat is lost through windows is “entirely inaccurate”. He added: “Uninsulated walls can account for as much as 35 percent of heat loss, while windows contribute to only 10 percent of heat loss.”
