Brits are now spending more on energy following a new price cap announcement this week. From October 1, Ofgem’s energy price cap increased by £149. This has driven the previous cap of £1,568 a year for a typical dual-fuel household to £1,717.
As a result, advisers at BOXT have issued a warning for those hoping to conserve their energy costs and beat the price rises. Andy Kerr, founder of BOXT, has debunked some of the most common energy-saving myths and offered further advice on what actually works.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common myths that may actually be forcing you to spend more money on energy, rather than saving it.
Turning the thermostat up to max will heat the room more quickly
“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. When you increase the thermostat setting, it simply tells the heating system to maintain a higher target temperature. In situations like this, it’s advisable to consider the installation of a programmable thermostat. You can even opt for a smart thermostat system that allows you to control it remotely through your phone.”
It will work out cheaper if I keep the heating on low all day
“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. The key consideration is the total energy required to warm your property. Energy constantly escapes from the building (the extent of which depends on the quality of your insulation). 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. As mentioned above, 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.”
Leaving the hot water timer on all day will save money
“Switching your boiler on only when hot water is needed is not only more cost-effective but also energy-efficient. 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. Additionally, 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 65 degrees.”
Radiators should be painted black
“The straightforward answer is no. 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, it’s advisable to install thermostatic radiator valves in each room, allowing you to regulate the temperature of individual radiators. Additionally, consider placing reflective panels behind the radiators that sit on external walls to prevent heat loss through the wall and to redirect heat back into the room.”
Turning on the light switch uses energy, so they should just be left on
“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. 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.”
Most heat is lost through the windows
“This assertion is entirely inaccurate. Uninsulated walls can account for as much as 35% of heat loss, while windows contribute to only 10% of heat loss.”