BOXT has shared five energy saving myths that may end up increasing costs.
Andy Kerr, founder at BOXT boilers, said: “Saving energy benefits both the planet and your pocket. However, only some things you hear are accurate. Unfortunately, there is a lot of false information out there. These typical energy-saving myths may keep you from following great advice and, in some situations, could even increase your energy consumption.”
Myth 1: Setting your thermostat higher will heat your home quicker
Your heating system produces heat consistently, and won’t warm up quicker just because the temperature is ramped up. Turning the thermostat up to 30 degrees won’t bring a room to that temperature any faster if you want it to reach 20. In fact, if you forget and leave the thermostat on high, your heating system will use more energy as it takes longer to reach 30 degrees, meaning this common myth about energy efficiency could actually cost you money. The better choice is to turn to technology to help control your home’s temperature. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat will help you make the most out of your heating and cooling, and can even save you up to 16% on your energy bills.
Myth 2: Lowering the thermostat won’t really save that much money
You can significantly reduce your energy usage by lowering the central heating temperature down by just one degree. This small change could reduce your heating expenses by up to 10%, meaning that by lowering the thermostat only one degree, you might save more than £100 a year on energy bills.
Myth 3: It will work out cheaper if I keep the heating on low all day
A common myth is that leaving your heating on all the time will help you save money on your energy bills. However, this is not the case as your boiler will be continually producing heat when there is no real need.
Instead, it is much more energy-efficient and cheaper to have your boiler only fire up when you require heating or hot water. You can do this manually, or to make it even easier you can use either a programmed timer or a smart thermostat that can be controlled from your mobile phone. However, bear in mind that during winter your thermostat should be left on a minimum of 10 degrees to avoid your pipes freezing, which can potentially result in needing costly repairs.
Myth 4: Buying a new boiler won’t save me any money
Depending on the efficiency rating of your current boiler and the type of home you live in, you could save over £800 a year on your energy bills simply by upgrading to a new A-rated boiler. And, despite what many people may think, getting a boiler upgrade doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. All-in-one boiler subscription services make it easy for you to get a brand new A-rated boiler, smart thermostat controls, and includes all servicing and breakdown cover, for a low-cost fixed monthly fee.
Myth 5: Bleeding your radiators won’t make the heating more efficient
Bleeding your radiators can help you to achieve a more efficient and environmentally-friendly home. If there are any cold spots on the radiators while your heating is turned on, there is air trapped in the system, which leads to a reduction in efficiency. If this is the case, you can learn how to bleed a radiator yourself. It’s an easy DIY job that will make your home more energy-efficient while saving you money.