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Writer's pictureLaura Alliss

Home Truths: Energy Saving Myths Debunked

Updated: Nov 14

thermostat-heating

As both climate change and the increasing cost of energy continue to hit the headlines, many of us are looking for ways to do our bit for the planet and reduce the cost of our energy bills. However, as there are so many energy-saving myths and misinformation out there, it isn’t always easy to determine which actions are actually going to make a difference. 


If you’ve been asking yourself ‘is it cheaper to leave heating on low all day?’ or you’re simply searching for some genuine facts about saving energy, you’re in the right place. So, let’s jump straight into some of the most common energy-saving myths alongside our top tips to help you to save money on your energy bills this winter. 


Myth: The Majority of Heat Escapes Through Doors and Windows 


While, yes, some heat will escape through gaps around your doors and windows, the majority of heat actually escapes through walls. In fact, research shows that approximately 35% of heat from your home will escape through your walls, which is why investing in insulation can be so beneficial. 


But as around 10% of your home’s heat can be lost through windows, it is also helpful to be mindful of some of the things that you can do to prevent heat loss from around your windows and doors, including investing in draught excluders and insulating curtains. 


Additionally, the Centre for Sustainable Energy also recommends covering your windows with an easy-to-install thin transparent film, which is a form of secondary glazing and can help you to keep your home at a more comfortable temperature throughout the colder months. Alternatively, there are also more substantial secondary glazing options to explore if your windows are particularly draughty. 


Myth: Keeping My Heating On Low is More Cost-Effective 


As energy is required to heat your home, you will consume more energy keeping your home heated constantly rather than turning it on as and when required. As we have already explored, most homes lose quite a significant amount of heat through walls, roofs and gaps around windows and doors, so having your heating on when you don’t actually need it will ultimately increase the amount of heat that is escaping and money that is being wasted. 


Myth: Rooms Will Heat Up Quicker By Turning Up the Thermostat 


Thermostats are designed to heat your home to the temperature you have selected. On colder days, it can take longer for your home to reach that set temperature and although it might be tempting to turn up your thermostat, this won’t actually help to heat your home any quicker. In fact, all it will do is lead to higher energy bills over the long term because your heating will need to run for longer in order to heat your home to the higher temperature that you have selected. 


If you find that your radiators are taking a long time to heat up, they might need bleeding, which is a process that removes trapped air and allows hot water to freely flow throughout your heating system. It will also be beneficial to ensure that warm air isn’t being prevented from flowing freely into your room by ensuring that long curtains or large pieces of furniture aren’t covering your radiators. 


One of the most beneficial energy-saving facts to remember is that it is possible to save 10% on your energy bills by turning your thermostat down by one degree. Always ensure that your home remains at a comfortable temperature and turn your thermostat back up if this is not the case, as cold homes can lead to dampness and illness. Citizens Advice recommends that a comfortable temperature is between 18 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius. 


Myth: Chargers in Sockets Don’t Use Electricity When They’re Not Charging a Device 


TVs, laptops and games consoles are just a few examples of devices that consume what is sometimes referred to as ‘vampire power’ which means that they are costing you money even when you’re not using them if you’re leaving them plugged in. 


Interestingly, research from the Energy Saving Trust has found that you could save up to £45 each year by ensuring that all your appliances and devices are turned off at the plug socket when they aren’t in use. So, we recommend getting in the habit of turning off all sockets at the wall when they aren’t needed. 


Myth: Solar Panels Don’t Work When It’s Not Sunny 


Although solar panels generate the most electricity on bright and sunny days, they still produce plenty of energy on cloudy, grey days because energy is produced using daylight, not sunlight. 


Investing in solar panels can be an excellent way to reduce your energy bills and minimise your reliance on non-renewable energy. Of course, it’s well worth discussing your energy needs with experts. Here at Green Flare, our team of experts will ensure that you get the best possible energy returns for your investment. 


So, there we have it; we’ve busted some of the most prevalent energy-related myths and provided you with a number of accurate facts about energy conservation that we hope will make a genuine difference to your household this year and beyond.

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