Warning over thermostats as energy-saving hacks debunked

Brits seeking to cut heating costs this winter have been cautioned against following a widely suggested but ineffective thermostat 'quick heating' hack. An energy specialist has debunked several myths on saving on energy bills, stressing that such misinformation can be both a time drain and financial burden during the chillier months.

As residents crank up their home heating, countless people are scouring the internet for cost-saving tips to remain cosy without breaking the bank. Nevertheless, amid a barrage of online guidance, the experts at MakeMyHouseGreen aim to refute some of the common misconceptions that many budget-conscious Britons might encounter.

They're advising the public to scrutinise energy-saving tips critically and, where possible, to verify the information to avoid frittering away time and money, reports the MENews.

READ MORE:Car tax changes coming in April that will hit drivers of these family models

READ MORE:Family wakes up as night prowlers strike at two homes

Llewellyn Kinch, CEO and co-founder of MakeMyHouseGreen, said: "While the internet can provide a wealth of information on how to heat your home, not all of it is accurate or reliable. An energy expert's advice would be to approach online suggestions with caution, fact-check information, and prioritise proper insulation and efficient use of your central heating system."

"By taking these steps, consumers can ensure they are making well-informed decisions when it comes to heating their homes and saving energy and money in the process. This also has a profound impact on the health of our environment, which we know needs all the help it can get these days."

Turning up the thermostat heats the home more quickly

According to Llewellyn, this is a common misconception. For most systems, cranking up the thermostat only sets the final temperature higher and risks overheating your home.

"Since these systems work at a constant rate, you can do nothing to make the process faster, so only set the thermostat to the desired temperature," he advises.

It's more cost-effective to leave the heating on low all day

Modern heating systems reach the desired temperature relatively quickly, so there’s no need to leave your heating on all day. In fact, doing this can lead to excess energy usage and overheating your home.

Llewellyn debunks this myth by saying: "Programmable thermostats and smart home systems can optimise heating usage, allowing you to set a schedule for when your heating goes on and off, therefore reducing your overall energy consumption. There may be some exceptions, such as heat pumps that work more continuously."

Electric heaters are more efficient than central heating

Not true. While electric heaters are effective for heating small spaces that need additional warmth, they can be costly if used as the primary heat source. "However, they’ll cost more if used as the primary heat source," warns Llewellyn.

He adds: "Well-maintained modern central heating systems are designed to heat entire spaces more evenly and efficiently, so utilising your heating system effectively with a programmable thermostat or smart home system is often the most cost-effective way to heat your home."

Heat is only lost through windows and doors

Contrary to popular belief, heat isn't only lost through windows and doors. Poor insulation, unsealed gaps, and insufficient weather stripping are also major culprits.

So, when looking to make energy- and heat-saving home improvements, it's important to address all these areas. "Windows and doors are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to efficiently sealing your home. Heat can be lost in many ways, so be sure to evaluate your entire space and not just windows and doors," Llewellyn advises.

Ceiling fans are only for summer

Another myth is that ceiling fans are only useful in the summer. In reality, fans simply move air around and don't control the temperature. Many people aren't aware that they spin in both directions - and the direction of spin affects how the fan circulates cold and hot air.

"During the winter, set the fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This creates a gentle updraft, drawing cooler air from below upward, and pushing the warm air that has risen to the ceiling gently down into the room. This ensures none of that warmth is wasted," Llewellyn explains.

Solar energy does not work in the winter

There's a misconception that solar energy doesn't work in the winter. Despite shorter daylight hours and the sun's lower position in the sky, solar panels can still produce substantial energy. "Solar panels are still a viable option in the winter," Kinch comments.

Solar panels can be a fantastic energy source during the winter months, helping to counterbalance the high energy demands of home heating. "While there is less sun during the shorter winter days, the cold weather helps panels operate more efficiently," he noted.

It's too expensive to move to an upgraded heating system

There's a common misconception that upgrading your heating system is too costly. However, this myth has been debunked: while initial costs may be high, they are often justified by long-term savings.

Modern systems operate more efficiently and use less energy, significantly reducing utility bills. "Many newer systems also feature programmable thermostats and better air filtration, both of which increase the efficiency of your central heating system, saving money in the long run," adds Llewellyn.

Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it’s FREE