Many households are trying everything they can to keep their energy bills down this winter as the cost of living crisis rages on - but all the advice out there can often prove confusing.
With so many methods of heating your home out there that claim to slash heating bills, it can be difficult to know what works and what doesn't. And unfortunately, there are several 'tips' that have long been banded about as money-savers that don't actually work - and at worst can actually end up costing you more.
Nigel Best, director of electrical training provider Electrician Courses 4U, told The Express that there are some pieces of advice that households should avoid in order to keep costs down. Here are five of the common heating myths out there, according to the expert - and why they won't help to save you money on your energy bills.
Myth: It's cheaper to keep the heating on low all day
One of the most commonly heard heating myths out there is that keeping your heating on at a lower temperature for longer periods of time will work out cheaper than turning it on and off as needed. "This is indeed false," Nigel warned.
"All you are doing is keeping your heating on for a longer period of time. This ultimately means you are going to end up with a very expensive heating bill at the end of the month."
Myth: A smart meter will automatically save you money
While a smart meter will help you to track your energy usage at home and ensure that your bills are more accurate, they won't save you money on their own. To do this, you will need to take action and cut back using the information your smart meter provides.
"The meter will tell you how much energy you’re using, which then allows you to cut back and turn off the heating or electrical appliances which are eating up your electricity," Nigel explained. "Simply investing in a smart meter does not save you money directly."
Myth: Turning your heating up high will warm your home more quickly
The first thing many of us do when we feel chilly at home is reach for the thermostat and crank it up high - but you should think twice before doing so if you want to save on your energy bills, according to expert advice. Turning up your heating to a high setting doesn't mean that your house will heat up more quickly.
"Your house will heat up at the same time whether your heating is at 20C or at 30C," Nigel explained. "You will actually end up wasting money as later in the night when the heating has been on for a while you may become too hot and at that point you’ve already used a lot more energy than you needed to."
Myth: Electric heaters are more efficient than central heating
Another common myth is the assumption that plugging in an electric heater will be more efficient than turning the heating on - but this long-held theory has been debunked by the electrician. While results can vary depending on which model of electric heater you have, they are unlikely to save you any money on your bills overall.
"Although an electric heater will save you money on your heating costs, it will add on to your electricity costs considerably," Nigel warned. "Electric heaters are known for being wasteful with energy, by not only creating heat but also noise."
Myth: Fireplaces are the best way to keep your home warm
Fireplaces were used in homes long before central heating came into play, and are still relatively popular today - but they are not the most efficient means of heating your home, according to Nigel. "Fireplaces that require a chimney can cause major heat loss in a home," he explained.
"That’s because cold air can get in via the top of the chimney and hot air can escape." He also added that the cost of firewood needed for the likes of wood burning stoves could easily outweigh the money saved from keeping your heating off.
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