As energy bills rise, consumers are desperately seeking ways to heat homes more efficiently. Amidst a clutter of supposed ‘money-saving hacks,’ it’s tough to discern which ones really work.
Thankfully, the experts at MakeMyHouseGreen have shared an invaluable tip for slashing energy bills with minimal effort. They suggest tweaking your thermostat settings before winter bites – a small act you can do this weekend which could potentially make for big savings across the winter months.
A common belief is that keeping the heating on all day helps maintain a comfortable temperature, but modern heating systems can actually reach the desired temperature quickly, making this approach inefficient and costly.
Llewellyn Kinch, energy expert and CEO of MakeMyHouseGreen, explains that programmable thermostats and smart home systems can optimize heating usage by allowing you to schedule when your heating turns on and off. “This helps reduce overall energy consumption, as your system only runs when needed,” Kinch says.
He warned that there are some exceptions, such as heat pumps, which operate more continuously, but for most systems, leaving the heating on all day is unnecessary and wasteful.
Managing your home’s warmth effectively is key during the colder months, and a thermostat is an integral part of this. It monitors current temperatures against those desired by residents, activating the heating system as required for the set temperature, reports the Mirror.
Adjusting thermostat settings can therefore be a cost-saving measure throughout winter, and one that you can do quickly and easily at home.
The experts have shared some more advice that could also help to keep costs down this winter, dispelling myths often shared online.
Avoid turning up the thermostat
The experts said: “Turning up the thermostat doesn’t speed up heating; it only raises the final temperature and can overheat the home, as systems work at a constant rate.”
Use electric heaters sparingly
While electric heaters are effective for small spaces, they cost more when used as a primary heat source. The experts said: “Well-maintained central heating is still more efficient for larger areas.”
Ensure your home is well-insulated
According to the experts, it’s not only open doors and windows that let the heat out.
They said: “Heat is lost through poor insulation, unsealed gaps, and insufficient weather stripping, so it’s important to address all areas of your home for better heat retention.”
Solar panels still work in the winter
If you have previously invested in solar panels to help power your home, the experts urge homeowners to remember that they still work in winter, producing substantial energy despite shorter days.
They also believe that the cold weather can even help them operate more efficiently.
Speaking about the potential risks of seeking out money-saving advice online, Llewellyn Kinch, energy expert and CEO of MakeMyHouseGreen said: “A lot of people have misguided ideas about heating, which might actually make their homes less energy- and cost-efficient. This issue becomes especially urgent during winter, when heating costs are high, and households are eager to find ways to lower their bills.
Kinch advises consumers to be cautious and to fact-check before adopting any online energy-saving strategies.