With energy prices remaining high in the UK, many people are looking for ways to cut their bills. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to saving energy. Some so-called “hacks” don’t actually make much difference, while others could even be costing you money.
To help you make informed choices, let’s debunk some of the most common home energy myths.
Myth 1: Leaving Lights On Uses Less Energy Than Switching Them On and Off
Some people believe that turning lights on and off frequently uses more energy than just leaving them on. This myth originated from old fluorescent bulbs, which had a brief power surge when switched on. However, modern LED bulbs are incredibly efficient, and turning them off when not in use will always save energy.
The rule of thumb? If you’re leaving a room for more than a few seconds, turn the lights off.
Myth 2: Turning the Thermostat Up Higher Heats the Home Faster
If you come home to a chilly house, you might be tempted to crank up the thermostat to full blast, thinking it will warm the room more quickly. Unfortunately, that’s not how heating systems work. Your boiler heats at a steady rate, so setting the thermostat higher than necessary won’t speed things up—it will only make your home hotter than needed, wasting energy.
Instead, set your thermostat to your preferred temperature and let it do its job. If you’re looking for long-term efficiency, consider a smart thermostat that can optimise heating based on your routine.
Myth 3: Electric Heaters Are Cheaper Than Central Heating
During the winter, some people believe using a portable electric heater is a cost-effective way to stay warm instead of turning on the central heating. However, electric heaters are often one of the most expensive ways to heat a home. Gas central heating is usually more efficient and cost-effective, especially if you heat multiple rooms at once.
A better strategy? Use radiator thermostats to control heat in individual rooms, keep doors closed to retain warmth, and use blankets or extra layers before resorting to an electric heater.
Myth 4: Ceiling Fans Cool a Room
In the UK, ceiling fans aren’t as common as they are in warmer climates, but for those who do have them, it’s important to understand how they work. Fans don’t actually lower room temperature; they just create airflow that makes people feel cooler. If no one is in the room, leaving a fan on does nothing except waste electricity.
Myth 5: Washing Dishes by Hand Saves Water
Many people assume that handwashing dishes is more eco-friendly than using a dishwasher, but that’s not always the case. Modern, energy-efficient dishwashers use far less water than washing dishes in the sink—especially if you tend to leave the tap running.
To maximise efficiency, only run your dishwasher when it’s full and use an eco-cycle if your machine has one.
Myth 6: Appliances Don’t Use Energy When Switched Off
Many household gadgets and appliances continue to draw power even when they appear to be off. This is known as “phantom” or “vampire” energy. Devices like TVs, games consoles, and phone chargers still use electricity unless they are unplugged or switched off at the wall.
A simple way to tackle this is by using smart plugs or power strips with an off switch, allowing you to cut power to multiple devices at once.
Myth 7: Tumble Drying on Low Heat Saves Energy
It’s tempting to think that drying clothes on a lower heat setting will be more energy efficient, but in many cases, it simply means your dryer has to run for longer, using just as much (if not more) electricity.
If possible, air-dry your clothes on a rack indoors or on a washing line outside. If you do use a tumble dryer, make sure to clean the lint filter regularly and consider a heat pump dryer, which is far more efficient than traditional vented models.
Final Thoughts
With energy costs in the UK remaining high, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction when trying to reduce household bills. By avoiding these common myths and adopting genuinely effective energy-saving habits, you can cut costs and reduce your environmental impact at the same time.
Have you heard any other home energy myths? Share them in the comments!