When you’re worried about your energy bill you might be on the look out for hints and tips that can save you money and take away some of your energy-anxiety over winter. However, it’s important to know which common energy myths to avoid and which myths could actually cost you more money in the long run. Here are eight of the most energy common myths and our advice on whether or not they’ll save you money and worry or send you into a winter energy spin.
Myth
“Turning down my thermostat will save me money”
Busted
Whilst it’s true that turning down your thermostat by one degree could cut your heating bill by up to 10%, making your house too cold can had adverse effects on the health of the house and the people that live there. In fact, if your house is too cold for too long you could end up spending money on fixing damage caused by mould and damp. There may be other ways to save money on your bill that won’t compromise the heat of your home.
Myth
“Warm bedrooms are bad for your health- you should always sleep with the window open!”
Busted
Finding a temperature that you’re comfortable with is the most important thing. We generally suggest that 21 degrees is the right temperature for your living room and 18 degrees for the rest of the house. Sleeping with the windows open in the winter might do more harm to your health than good, as breathing in cold air can cause and exacerbate respiratory problems.
Myth
“The heating only needs to go on for an hour or two a day to keep my house warm”
Busted
It’s better to keep your house at a stable temperature rather than to cause sudden increases and decreases in temperature, which can be bad for your health. Learning how to use and programme your thermostat will help you to maintain a comfortable living temperature more affordably.
Myth
“I’m only using a few rooms of my house, so moving my electric heater around is cheaper than putting on the central heating”
Busted
Electricity is much more expensive than gas, so if you have gas central heating it will almost certainly be cheaper to use this method to heat your home. If you don’t heat the whole of your home adequately you could end up spending more money than you save on rectifying damage caused to your home by the cod. Remember, it’s important to keep your house health in mind over the winter months.
Myth
“Painting my radiators black will help me reduce my energy bill”
Busted
It’s often stated that black is a more efficient colour for absorbing and retaining heat, however there is no evidence to suggest that painting your radiators black will reduce your heating bill. When it comes to radiator panels, there isn’t much you can do to cut costs. Focusing on insulating and draft-proofing your home would be a better energy-saving options.
Myth
“Insulation only benefits my house in the winter”
Busted
Insulation works both ways- in the winter it helps to keep your house warm and in the summer it helps to keep your house cool. You’ll feel the benefits of a well-insulated house all year round.
Myth
“I would know if someone I knew was living in fuel poverty”
Busted
Although fuel poverty is on the rise, with an estimated 38, 852 households in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire considered ‘fuel’ poor, fuel poverty is often hidden. The impact of fuel poverty often goes unnoticed because it’s effects are lived behind closed doors. Make sure you know what signs to look out for.
Myth
“I’ve heard energy companies are going bust- does this mean I’m going to be left without a supplier?”
Busted
Whilst it’s undoubtedly a very unpredictable time for energy providers and consumers, you won’t be left without an energy supplier if yours ceases operating. Ofgem (the energy market regulator) will appoint what’s known as a ‘supplier of last resort’ who will take over your supply. If you’re worried about what the energy crisis could mean for your supply or bills, have a look at our advice for households article.
If you’re concerned about your winter energy bill or would just like to know more about ways you can make your home more energy efficient, call us on 0800 500 3076 where our advisors will be happy to help.
