Expert debunks common heating hack that 'squanders energy and pushes up bills'

With the cold weather finally well on its way, households will be cranking up their heating very soon in an attempt to stay warm.

The Met Office has predicted that snow will fall in Scotland this weekend with weather charts showing that temperatures will soon hit freezing lows of up to -12C across the country in the coming weeks.

As the cold settles in, the cost of living crisis continues and after many pensioners saw their winter fuel allowance being cut, it's expected that millions will struggle to heat their homes.

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So it is safe to say that many will also be looking for ways to lower their energy costs. However, most people won't be aware of the widespread misinformation that is given out when it comes to saving pennies on your heating bills.

Joshua Houston, energy savings expert at GreenMatch has debunked six common myths when it comes to reducing the cost of your energy bills to help you out this winter. One such tip is that leaving the heating on low constantly saves money, but this may not actually be the case.

Joshua explained: "There's a flawed belief that leaving the heating on at a low setting all day is more economical than turning it off and on. Rather than saving money, this method actually squanders energy and pushes up bills.

"Thanks to modern thermostat technology or smart home systems, today's heating setups can heat homes swiftly and it turns out it's typically less expensive to warm your house only as needed. By using a programmable thermostat to oversee your heating timetable, you could pocket savings of approximately £130 each year on your energy costs."

Studies have highlighted that households that heat according to a set schedule save up to 10 percent more energy yearly compared to those that maintain a continuous, low-level warmth.

He has also spoken on some other common heating tips and why they may not be as effective as previously thought.

Five energy saving myths debunked by expert

1. Smart meters can help to save energy

One that stands out is the idea that smart meters can help households to save energy and thus reduce costs.

According to Joshua, this is a mistaken assumption that smart meters automatically chop down on energy consumption. While smart meters don't directly conserve energy, they provide real-time data on energy usage, enabling households to identify periods of high consumption and adjust their habits accordingly.

By monitoring and modifying their habits, households can save up to 15 percent more on energy bills, potentially saving up to £250 annually.

As of 2024, 31 million smart meters have been installed in UK homes and businesses.

2. Leaving appliances on standby saves energy

It's a common misconception that leaving appliances on standby saves energy. However, the so-called "vampire power" sucked by devices can add up to 10 percent of a home's electricity usage.

According to Joshua, the average UK family forks out £55 annually just keeping their gadgets on standby. Even when they're not actively being used, modern appliances with sophisticated features continue to draw power.

To tackle this issue, it's advised to use smart power strips or simply unplug electronics.

3. Hand-washing saves more than using a dishwasher

A lot of people think that scrubbing pots and pans by hand will be thriftier than loading them into a dishwasher. This isn't necessarily true. Current dishwashers, especially the ones that meet Energy Star standards, are usually more resourceful than manual washing, saving about 12 percent energy and 30 percent water against conventional models.

An energy-efficient dishwasher consumes roughly six to seven litres of water for each cycle, whereas washing by hand can use in excess of 50 litres. For maximum efficiency, it's advisable to avoid prewashing dishes and instead let the machine take care of the grime.

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4. Painting radiators black boosts heat output

Contrary to the old wives' tale, painting your radiators black does not enhance their efficiency. The colour of your radiator has no impact on its heat output.

Whether it's black, white, or hot pink with polka dots, the amount of heat dispersed into your room remains constant. A cost-effective solution is to install radiator panels behind them, which reflect heat into the room instead of allowing it to escape through the wall.

5. Setting the thermostat higher heats a room faster

The common misconception that setting the thermostat higher heats a room faster is simply wishful thinking. Many of us have turned up the thermostat to 25°C when we're cold, hoping to warm our homes quickly.

However, this only causes your heating system to run longer, wasting energy. It's more efficient to set your thermostat to the desired temperature, typically around 18-21°C for most UK homes.

Your system will then work steadily and efficiently to reach and maintain that temperature, avoiding unnecessary haste and waste.

Joshua Houston, Energy Saving Expert at GreenMatch concluded: "Saving money on your energy bills is important, but it’s equally as crucial to not fall into the trap of believing misinformation. Me debunking these myths should save you a lot of time and effort which can be better used in other areas.

"Instead use proven methods which will result in you losing less energy, and saving you money."

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