Home Energy Myths Debunked: What You Thought You Knew

How much do you really know about saving energy at home? You might be surprised to learn that some of the most common beliefs about home energy efficiency are actually myths. 

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at these misconceptions—from the effectiveness of unplugging devices to the savings from energy-efficient lighting. Join us as we debunk these myths and provide you with the real facts, helping you make smarter, more informed decisions about how to effectively reduce your energy usage and save on bills. 

Ready to challenge what you thought you knew and discover the truth? Let’s dive in!

Appliance usage myths

Appliances, from cooking equipment to dishwashers and tumble dryers, make life more convenient. However, they’re also one of the first things people look at when trying to reduce their energy bills. 

You might think using appliances at specific times each day is best, or maybe you believe the hype surrounding tumble dryers—but here are the facts. 

You can save money by using appliances during the day 

In the fight to save our planet, the government recommends using appliances between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. to save money. While electricity costs are lowest at these times, staying up to use the washing machine or vacuum won’t make you a popular neighbour. 

If you use an electric vehicle or have storage heaters, signing up for the Economy 7 Tariff can help you save money during off-peak hours, but peak rates are often higher. 

Using tumble dryers saves money 

Tumble dryers can be beneficial during winter, as they drive your clothes quickly and reduce the need for heating, but they’re not the most sustainable appliances. It’s best to use an airer for your clothes or hang them on the washing line whenever possible. 

Turning appliances off but leaving them plugged in is fine 

Technological advances mean most devices utilise standby power when turned off but still plugged in. So, even if your devices are turned off and you’re not using them, they can increase your energy bills. 

Unplugging devices can save you money and prevent unnecessary usage. 

Heating myths 

Heating expenses comprise a significant portion of each household’s expenses in the UK. According to NimbleFins, the average monthly gas bill is £70 (£835 annually), while electric bills cost £77 monthly (£930 annually). 

With so many helpful tips for saving money on heating, it’s easy to see why some households take extreme measures to reduce the costs. Let’s see which popular heating myths are holding your finances back. 

Keeping your heating on low all day saves money 

We’re not sure where this myth came from, but it isn’t true. Keeping your heating on low all day means you might not benefit from the warmth, and the home is losing energy instead. 

Installing a thermostat is the best way to cut heating costs, as the timer will activate as and when you need it, ensuring you get the most out of your heating. 

Turning the heating down slightly won’t save money 

The World Health Organization previously recommended that indoor temperatures be set at 21℃, but recommendations from GOV.UK state that 18℃ is the optimal temperature for winter. 

Turning your thermostat down just one degree can reduce your annual heating bills by 10%, and maintaining the UK government’s recommended temperature will further reduce costs. 

Electric heaters for individual rooms are cheaper than central heating 

If you don’t have gas heating, electricity is a great alternative. However, people with access to a gas supply should always choose central heating over electric options. Electricity is known to be more expensive than gas, and using heaters can increase your monthly bills. 

If you have a small apartment, relying on two electric space heaters is the equivalent of a central heating system, but thermostatic radiator valves for each room can help you control your heating costs. 

Paint your radiators black to conserve heat 

On the surface, painting radiators black seems like a good idea, as black colours are known to absorb heat. However, specialists say this will have no real effect, so it’s best to keep the radiators white. 

If you want to save money, installing reflective radiator panels will circulate heat throughout each room. 

Most lost heat goes through windows 

Double glazing is integral to preventing heat from escaping and maintaining warmth in your property, but windows aren’t the main source of heat loss. In fact, they only count for up to 10% of lost heat, with uninsulated walls being the main culprits. 

Ensuring your walls are well-insulated can keep your home warm and reduce your reliance on artificial heating. 

Eco-friendly heating myths

In the continued effort to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and live more sustainably, eco-friendly heating options are growing in popularity. From solar panels to air pumps and biomass boilers, these solutions can preserve fossil fuels and reduce your heating costs. 

As with most new technologies, there are some inaccurate myths that surround eco-friendly heating. Let’s debunk them. 

Solar panels don’t save much money 

Solar panels are innovative solutions that generate electricity and hot water by utilising the sun’s energy. While there are outright installation costs, solar panels have the potential to reduce your bills and even make money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). 

Over time, households can reduce their energy bills and save between £480 to £1,060 a year. The actual costs of solar panels prove that they’re paving the way for a more sustainable future. 

Heat pumps are great… but they’re too expensive 

Whether you install an air-source, water-source or ground-source heat pump, it will cost money initially. Air-source pumps are the least expensive option, but heat pumps reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and provide clean energy once installed. 

Homeowners can take advantage of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers up to £7,500 when switching from gas boilers to heat pumps. 

Opting for reliable heating and solar plans lets you split installation costs into monthly payments while benefiting from free maintenance and repairs. 

Final thoughts 

Knowing which myths are holding you back from saving money on your home energy bills gives you every opportunity to cut costs and enjoy extra cash each month. 

Opting for eco-friendly solar panels or heat pumps can cut your bills by hundreds yearly while protecting the environment and preserving fossil fuels. If you’d like to explore your options, please contact Hometree today. 

We offer a range of finance options for heat pumps and solar panel installation, helping you make positive changes without hefty upfront costs.