As the winter chill takes hold and energy costs soar, households across the country layer up, looking for tips on heating their homes more efficiently. Guided by social media influencers and countless online ‘experts,’ consumers are bombarded with an array of money-saving ‘hacks.’
Yet, amid this influx of advice, many are left questioning what information is trustworthy and what falls into the pool of myths and misconceptions. “A lot of people have misplaced ideas about heating, which might be making their homes less energy and cost-efficient to heat,” explains Llewellyn Kinch, an energy expert and CEO at MakeMyHouseGreen.
“The issue often becomes more prevalent during winter, when heat is provided at a necessary premium and households desperately look for any way to cut down on their bills.”
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Llewellyn warns that a discerning eye is essential when navigating the minefield of online energy-saving tips. He emphasises the importance of verifying facts before altering heating practices.
He goes on to demystify some of the most pervasive heating myths, covering widespread beliefs about keeping your home snug during the coldest months, coupled with his professional insights. The heating expert also reveals an innovative way you can use a appliance more commonly used to cool the home during summer months to help heat it in the winter.
Myth #1: Cranking up the thermostat heats the home faster
For most systems, this only sets the final temperature higher and risks you 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,” says Llewellyn.
Myth #2: It’s cheaper 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
Llelleyn 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.”
Myth #3: Electric heaters are more efficient than central heating
These are effective for heating small spaces that need additional warmth, so they can be great if you only need to heat one room of a large house or if you need to provide bursts of extra warmth for grandma. “However, they’ll cost more if used as the primary heat source,” warns Llewellyn.
“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 will often be the most cost-effective option for heating your home.”
Myth #4: Heat is only lost through windows and doors
While heat can be lost this way, other primary culprits include poor insulation, unsealed gaps, and insufficient weather stripping. Therefore, when seeking to make energy- and heat-saving home improvements, you should address all of these areas.
“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,” adds Llewellyn.
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Myth #5: Ceiling fans are only useful in the summer
Fans only move air around; they do not control the temperature. A lot of people don’t realise they spin in both directions – and that spin direction impacts how the fan circulates cold and hot air.
“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 makes sure none of that warmth is wasted,” explains Llewellyn.
Myth #6: Bill-saving solar energy doesn’t work in winter
It’s a common misconception that solar energy doesn’t work in the winter. Despite shorter daylight hours and the sun’s lower position in the sky, solar panels can still produce substantial energy.
Kinch comments, “Solar panels are still a great energy source in the winter that can help offset the energy-intensive demands of heating a home. While there is less sun during the shorter winter days, the cold weather helps panels operate more efficiently.”
Myth #7: Upgrading your heating system is too expensive
Initial high costs will often be justified by long-term savings. Newer systems operate more efficiently and use less energy, greatly reducing utility bills.
“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” adds Llewellyn.
Llewellyn Kinch, CEO and co-founder of MakeMyHouseGreen commented: “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.”