For first-time home buyers, getting the keys to your first home is an exciting time. But it can also be one of the most overwhelming ones!
If it’s also the first time you’ve ever had to manage a tight household budget, then finding ways to lower household costs is essential. However, finding the correct information can be confusing. And it may lead many new homeowners to fall into the trap of believing some of the most common money-saving myths!
But, don’t be hard on yourself; even the most experienced householders are falling prey to these too! And for good reason – they appear to make perfect common sense, especially in the short term. But beware; these myths can cost you money in the long run!
At Energy Advice Helpline, we’re here to take some of your new household strain. Leaving you to enjoy more of this special time with as little stress as possible! So, here are some of our top energy myth-busting tips that will give you some of the knowledge you need to make smarter financial and energy-saving decisions for your first home.
Myth 1: Turning Off the Heating Completely Will Save You Money!
With continually rising energy costs, it seems to make perfect sense to completely switch off your heating when you’re not home. But, in reality, this can lead to higher energy consumption and bigger bills!
Allowing your home to get too cold by switching off your heating entirely means your boiler will have to work much harder to heat it back up again! So, rather than heating your property from scratch every time you return home, it’s better to keep your heating at a low, consistent temperature.
You can make this even easier by using a smart thermostat. This equipment will automatically monitor and adjust your home’s temperature for you. Even when you’re not at home!
Myth 2: New Homes Don’t Need Energy Efficiency Improvements!
Although your home may be new to you, unless it’s a new build or recently renovated, it probably won’t be as energy efficient as it could be.
If you’ve bought a first-time property with a low EPC rating (E-G), it’s likely to benefit from additional insulation, draught-proofing, and energy-efficient appliances. This is where government-backed schemes such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and Great British Insulation (GBIS) schemes can help. They allow all eligible homeowners, including first-time home buyers access funding that provides energy-efficient home improvements at no extra cost.
Myth 3: Energy-Efficient Upgrades are too Expensive!
While it’s true that some upgrades can require a hefty upfront investment, they will save you money in the long run. Installing insulation, upgrading to energy-efficient windows, and switching to LED lighting will all reduce energy consumption and cut bills over time.
Some of these upgrades are available through the ECO4 and GBIS schemes; however, for householders who don’t qualify, there are other ways to afford renewable energy equipment and avoid upfront installation charges. With monthly payment solar panel and battery packages, you can save up to 70% on your electricity bill, starting from as little as £50 a month.
Myth 4: Washing Clothes on a Hot Setting Cleans Them Better!
So many of us believe that washing clothes at higher temperatures is the best way to get them clean. But did you know that modern detergents are designed to work just as effectively at lower temperatures?
Washing at 30°C instead of 60°C can save up to 40% on your overall energy costs and you won’t sacrifice your cleanliness in the process!
For tips on how to save money when drying your clothes, click here.
Myth 5: Keeping Appliances on Standby Saves More Power Than Switching Them Off!
Although leaving devices on standby mode is convenient, they still consume energy through something which is known as ‘phantom load’ or ‘vampire power’.
Switching off electronics at the wall when you’ve finished using them or using smart plugs that cut power completely can help reduce energy waste and lower your electricity bills.
For some more handy energy-saving tips, click here.
Myth 6: DIY Home Repairs Are Always Cheaper Than Hiring a Professional!
Trying to save money by fixing things yourself can sometimes lead to expensive mistakes. Especially if this involves plumbing and electrical work, or installing your own insulation. In some cases, bad ‘do it yourself’ fixes can lead to long-term issues that end up costing you even more to repair than if you’d left it to the professionals to begin with.
If you’re considering making energy-saving improvements, getting a professional to install them for you ensures that everything is done correctly. You’ll also have a guarantee that the equipment is safe to use.
Myth 7: Applying for Home Energy Grants Is Complicated and Time-Consuming!
Many first-time home buyers hesitate when applying for government funding because they think the process is too complex or time-consuming. In reality, it’s more straightforward than you think!
At Energy Advice Helpline, we have expert customer service advisers who will guide you through the application process, oversee installations, and deliver aftercare services.
So, don’t wait to apply; the sooner you install energy efficiency equipment in your new home, the sooner you can start saving money on your utility bills!
Act Now, Remember: Time = Money!
First-time home buyers who delay making energy-efficient changes in their new property could be losing money! This is money you could be putting towards those ‘little extras’ that make your first home truly feel like your own!
Don’t let these ‘energy myths’ drain your energy and your bank balance. By following these tips, you can have a cosier and more sustainable first home now…and for many years to come!
For more energy saving advice or to see how we can help you access energy-efficient home improvements via the ECO4 and Great British Insulation schemes; see the Energy Advice Helpline website or click the button below!
