Thermostat warning over common error Brits make when heating homes | Personal Finance | Finance

Brits are being cautioned that falling for a thermostat ‘hack’ and other myths could lead to unnecessary expenditure and wasted time. As winter brings additional financial pressure with increased home heating, many will be seeking tips and advice to save money while maintaining comfort in the coming months.

However, amid a huge amount of advice online, experts at MakeMyHouseGreen are aiming to debunk some myths that many thrifty individuals may encounter. They encourage those looking to save money to scrutinise all energy-saving advice and verify any information they find to avoid wasting their time.

Llewellyn Kinch, CEO and co-founder of MakeMyHouseGreen, remarked to say: “While the internet can provide a wealth of information on how to heat your home, not all of it is accurate or reliable. An energy expert’s advice would be to approach online suggestions with caution, fact-check information, and prioritise proper insulation and efficient use of your central heating system.

“By taking these steps, consumers can ensure they are making well-informed decisions when it comes to heating their homes and saving energy and money in the process. This also has a profound impact on the health of our environment, which we know needs all the help it can get these days.”

Turning up the thermostat heats the home faster

Llewellyn dispels a common myth that turning up the thermostat heats the home faster. He explains that for most systems, increasing the thermostat only sets the final temperature higher and risks overheating your home.

“Since these systems work at a constant rate, you can do nothing to make the process faster, so only set the thermostat to the desired temperature,” he advises.

It’s more cost-effective to leave the heating on low all day than to turn it on and off

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not more cost-effective to leave the heating on low all day than to turn it on and off. Modern heating systems reach the desired temperature relatively quickly, so there’s no need to leave your heating on all day.

In fact, doing this can lead to excess energy usage and overheating your home. Llewellyn debunks this myth by saying: “Programmable thermostats and smart home systems can optimise heating usage, allowing you to set a schedule for when your heating goes on and off, therefore reducing your overall energy consumption. There may be some exceptions, such as heat pumps that work more continuously.”

Electric heaters are more efficient than central heating

While electric heaters are effective for heating small spaces that need additional warmth, they can be costly if used as the primary heat source. “However, they’ll cost more if used as the primary heat source,” warns Llewellyn.

He further explains: “Well-maintained modern central heating systems are designed to heat entire spaces more evenly and efficiently, so utilising your heating system effectively with a programmable thermostat or smart home system is often the most cost-effective way to heat your home.”

Heat is only lost through windows and doors

Heat isn’t only lost through windows and doors. Poor insulation, unsealed gaps, and insufficient weather stripping are also major culprits. So, when looking to make energy- and heat-saving home improvements, it’s important to address all these areas.

He advises: “Windows and doors are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to efficiently sealing your home. Heat can be lost in many ways, so be sure to evaluate your entire space and not just windows and doors.”

Ceiling fans are only for summer

Another myth that Llewellyn debunks is that ceiling fans are only useful in the summer. In reality, fans simply move air around and don’t control the temperature.

Many people aren’t aware that they spin in both directions – and the direction of spin affects how the fan circulates cold and hot air. He explains: “During the winter, set the fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This creates a gentle updraft, drawing cooler air from below upward, and pushing the warm air that has risen to the ceiling gently down into the room. This ensures none of that warmth is wasted.”

Solar panels are of no use in the winter

Not true – solar panels remain effective even in the chillier months. “Solar panels are still a viable option in the winter,” said Kinch, debunking the common fallacy that solar energy fails in cold weather.

Despite popular belief to the contrary, solar energy doesn’t dip into inefficiency during winter – in fact, the reduced temperatures can enhance panel operations. With the onset of shortened days and less sunlight, many presume solar panels useless. However, the cooler climate actually increases their productivity, ensuring that homes can still enjoy a significant power supply.

It’s too expensive to move to an upgraded heating system

Furthermore, the idea that upgrading heating systems is prohibitively expensive has been refuted. Initial outlay aside, the long-term savings make it an astute choice.

“Many newer systems also feature programmable thermostats and better air filtration, both of which increase the efficiency of your central heating system, saving money in the long run,” Llewellyn points out, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of modern, efficient heating options.