The world of energy is confusing to understand at the best of times. The energy industry has particularly fallen victim to many energy myths and misconceptions, making it even more difficult to know what’s right from wrong. That’s why in this article, we’ll be uncovering the top 10 energy myths, and giving you the facts that could save you on your energy bills.
Top 10 Home Energy Myths, Debunked
1. Solar Panels Only Work In The Winter
Solar panels are not just for summer! They work all year round, even in rain or light snow. Whenever solar panels can access sunlight, they can work. In summer, there are more daylight hours, which means solar panels typically have higher output during these months.
2. Turning Your Heating Up By 1 Degree Doesn’t Cost Much
Turning up your thermostat by as little as 1 degree doesn’t seem much. But you could actually save around 10% on your energy bill just by turning your heating down by 1 degree! Instead, try layering up clothing, using a hot water bottle, or investing in a thick blanket.
3. Turning The Heating Up Will Heat Your Home Quicker
Many people think that if you crank your thermostat up, you’ll be warmer quicker. This is especially tempting on cold wintery days, where you just want to warm up as soon as possible. Often, our instinct is to raise the temperature, but this will not warm your home any faster – it’s just another home energy myth!
4. Air Source Heat Pumps Are Not Effective In The UK
Air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air and converting it into heat for your home. This leads many to assume they are not effective in the UK, as we don’t experience very high temperatures. However, this is false! Over 60% of homes in Norway use air source heat pumps, where conditions are much colder than the UK. That’s because even when the temperature is below zero, there is actually still heat in the air that your heat pump can convert.
5. Using A Dishwasher Costs More Than Hand-Washing
It might surprise you, but using a dishwasher can actually work out more efficient than hand-washing! In fact, hand-washing can cost and use double the energy of a dishwasher. A dishwasher costs an average of 26p a day, whereas hand-washing costs an average 48p. That’s because a dishwasher can clean more items using much less water. This assumes that you already have a dishwasher and are stacking it effectively.
6. Most Heat Loss Happens Through Windows
Most of the heat lost in homes actually happens through walls, where an average 35% of heat is lost. Windows account for up to 18% of heat loss, meaning more than double is lost via walls. This is why properly insulating your home is essential.
7. Appliances Don’t Cost Anything On Standby Mode
Unfortunately, putting an appliance on ‘standby mode’ is not the same as switching it off – this is another home energy myth! For example, leaving your TV on standby still uses energy, so that it can pick up signals from the remote. Switching appliances off properly at the wall can cut your energy bill by approximately £40 per year.
8. Insulation Is Only Useful In The Winter
Following on from this, the idea that insulation is only useful in the winter is another energy myth. Insulating your home can also help to keep your house cool during the summer heat. That’s because as well as limiting the amount of heat that can escape through your walls, it limits the amount of heat that can enter from the outside.
9. Electricity Is Cheaper To Use At Night
It is not any cheaper to use electricity at night, unless you are on a specific type of tariff. Time-of-use tariffs are a unique type of tariff, where suppliers do offer cheaper energy during ‘off-peak’ periods. If you’re on one of these special tariffs, it may be cheaper to use your appliances overnight. Only 12% of people in the UK are on these tariffs, and for the remainder, it’s just as expensive to use your electricity in the day as it is overnight.
10. Air Source Heat Pumps Are Noisy
Air source heat pumps do not produce nearly enough sound to disrupt or disturb your day-to-day life. The idea that new air source heat pumps produce a noticeable or disruptive amount of noise is another energy myth. Modern air source heat pumps are even quieter than older models! The amount of noise a heat pump makes is only around 40 decibels, which is about the same volume as your fridge or laptop. For context, a typical hair dryer makes noise around 90 decibels. Plus, an air source heat pump is installed outside of your property, which reduces its impact even more.
Can You Get Home Improvements For Free?
You can get solar panels, an air source heat pump, and insulation all installed free of charge under the government-backed ECO4 scheme. You can apply in just 30 seconds with Energy Advice Helpline, and we’ll check if you’re eligible and support you through the whole process from start to finish. To get started, click the button below.
