Top Winter Energy-Saving Myths: What Actually Works?

There can be a lot of misconceptions about energy-saving myths during the winter, particularly surrounding the tips and tricks you can employ in your house to reduce your energy usage.

This article is designed to point out some of these myths and explain how they work.

1.    It’s cheaper to leave the heater on low all day or only have it on when it’s needed.

There are arguments to be made for this and against it, however, it can actually depend on your method of heating, the kind of home you live in, and your level of insulation.

If you keep your heating on low all of the time, it will work to maintain a set temperature which will then cause a significant amount of energy consumption and wastage.

Debunking the Myth:

Heat Geek has argued that if most of your time is spent at home, you may benefit from leaving the heating on constantly if you own a heat pump or a modern condensing boiler.

It may be more efficient to lower temperatures to 18-19*C, keeping it on. Due to this, your heating system won’t be as responsive which will allow it to recover any waste heat.

 There are also arguments for keeping the heating low, radiator valves high and the boiler down to the minimum will stop any condensation from forming within the walls whenever the heating is not switched off. This is also recommended to stop damp and mould growth within a property.

2.    Would painting my radiators black heat a room faster?

Some claim that black radiators are more efficient at absorbing and then emitting heat, as well as acting as an insulator, meaning less heat is put into the room.

A Different Method:

It has been agreed that reflective radiator panels can cut down energy use, reflecting heat output back into the room, and preventing it from escaping through external walls. Homes that have uninsulated walls are more likely to benefit from this.

3.    Do Solar Panels Work in the Winter?

It is common for people to believe that solar panels don’t work properly in the winter. After all, they function using the sun’s energy and we don’t see a lot of it in the winter. But the fact is, solar panels will continue to produce electricity on the cloudiest of days.

Sunlight will break through the heaviest of clouds, allowing solar panels to generate still generate electricity, although it will be less efficient.

Snow and ice directly on your panels can decrease power output but most newer designs are built to self-clean. Find more on solar panel cleaning here.

4.    Should I leave appliances on or turn them off each time I’ve used them?

Devices left plugged in or on standby will still drain your electricity and can be known as energy vampires. It’s vital to cut down on this waste and turn it off at the plug when not in use.

Devices like gaming consoles, televisions, and computers can draw small amounts of power when not being used but are still plugged in and turned on at the wall.

Standby for Solutions:

Simply, turning devices off at the sockets will stop this energy from being drained. You could save over £40 annually by doing this.

It is EU law now though that TVs and other devices made since 2013 are not allowed to consume more than 0.5 watts whilst on standby.  

5.    Should the heating be left on even if you’re going away for some time?

 In the winter, it is recommended to leave your heating on if you’re not going to be at home for a while. If you don’t, there is a potential for your pipes to freeze causing hundreds of pounds of damage, making this one of the true energy-saving myths.

Stop the freeze:

It is recommended that your heating is kept between 12*C-15*C if you’re going away for a short while.

6.    Closing your curtains and blinds during the day.

Closing your curtains during the day or when you leave the house is the logical decision to make to conserve heat and save energy.   If the sun shines through your windows, leaving them open and enjoying the sunshine is much better.

Keeping them open will also prevent an accumulation of dampness on your windows which would eventually lead to a build of black mould in that area.

In Summary

Energy saving myths are prevalent all year round, but it is the winter time when people tend to seek them out in an attempt to cut down their energy bills and save money. Some are true, others have been debunked, and some just don’t have enough conclusive evidence to suggest that they work. However, with safety as a priority, you could always try them out yourself.