11 Common Home Energy Efficiency Myths Busted

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1) Myth 1: Leaving Appliances on Standby Saves Energy

Many believe that leaving appliances in standby mode consumes negligible power. In reality, devices on standby, often referred to as "energy vampires," can account for up to 10% of your home's electricity use. The average UK household wastes approximately £55 per year powering devices on standby. To combat this, use smart power strips or unplug devices when not in use to achieve energy savings. Too much energy used on standby will drastically affect your electricity bill!

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2) Myth 2: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Reduces Energy Consumption

It's a common misconception that closing vents in unoccupied rooms will save energy. However, this practice can disrupt the balance of your HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system, leading to increased air pressure and potential air leaks. This imbalance forces the system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and utility bills. Instead, keep vents open to maintain proper airflow and consider investing in a programmable thermostat to manage temperatures efficiently.

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3) Myth 3: Ceiling Fans Cool Rooms

Ceiling fans create air movement that helps people feel cooler but do not lower the room's temperature. Running a ceiling fan in an unoccupied room wastes energy without providing any benefit. The best way to use ceiling fans is in conjunction with your cooling system or air conditioning; they allow you to set the thermostat at a higher temperature while maintaining comfort, leading to energy savings.

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4) Myth 4: Hand-Washing Dishes Uses Less Water and Energy Than a Dishwasher

Modern dishwashers are designed to be highly efficient, often using less water and energy than washing dishes by hand. Running a full load in a dishwasher, especially on an eco-setting, can result in significant energy and water savings. In contrast, hand-washing typically uses more hot water, increasing both water and energy usage. I would personally argue that it can be difficult to get dishes 100% clean, 100% of the time with eco-mode on a dishwasher but let me know your thoughts!

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5) Myth 5: Leaving Lights On Uses Less Energy Than Turning Them Off and On

Some believe that turning lights on and off consumes more energy than leaving them on. This is untrue; modern lighting, including CFL and LED bulbs, is designed to handle frequent switching without affecting lifespan or energy consumption. Turning off lights when not in use is a simple and effective energy-saving practice.

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6) Myth 6: Newer Homes Are Always More Energy-Efficient

While newer homes may be built with better insulation and modern materials, it doesn't guarantee optimal energy efficiency. Factors like the quality of construction, design, and the efficiency of installed appliances play significant roles. Regardless of a home's age, conducting an energy audit can identify areas for improvement, leading to potential energy savings.

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7) Myth 7: Setting the Thermostat Higher Heats the Home Faster

Setting the thermostat to a higher temperature doesn't heat your home faster; it only makes your heating system run longer, consuming more energy. The best way to manage indoor temperatures efficiently is by using a programmable or smart thermostat, which can adjust settings based on your schedule, ensuring comfort while minimizing energy waste.

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8) Myth 8: Solar Panels Are Too Expensive and Not Worth the Investment

While solar panels require a higher upfront cost, they can lead to significant energy savings in the long run. Advancements in technology and government incentives have made solar energy more accessible. Over time, the reduction in electricity bills can offset the initial investment, and surplus energy generated can sometimes be sold back to the grid, providing additional financial benefits.

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9) Myth 9: Electric Space Heaters Save Money

Using electric space heaters to heat individual rooms instead of a central heating system might seem like a good idea. However, electric heaters are often less efficient and can lead to higher energy bills, especially if used extensively. A more efficient option is to ensure your home is well-insulated to retain warm air, reducing the need for additional heating sources. Using too many space heaters can cause a variety of electrical problems so be careful to use them sparingly and in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Misused space heaters are a common cause of electrical fires, the cost of which can seriously negate your efforts to save money on energy bills.

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10) Myth 10: Leaving Heating on Low All Day Is More Efficient Than Turning It On and Off

An expert in energy efficiency has warned that keeping the heating on low throughout the day is generally less efficient than turning it on and off as needed. Maintaining a constant temperature requires continuous energy consumption, whereas heating only when necessary conserves energy. However, in homes prone to condensation, a consistent low temperature might be beneficial to prevent dampness. Old houses are more susceptible to condensation build up due to ventilation issues and lack of insulation. You must consider your home's specific needs and consult with an energy saving and damp professional to determine the best approach.

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11) Myth 11: A water heater is best left on all the time

An immersion heater should NOT be left on all the time as this will massively increase your monthly energy bill. A good quality insulating jacket along with the use of a timer to heat the water in the hot water tank should mean that you have hot water for all or most of the day. It is fairly possible to achieve hot water in this manner by setting the timer for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. This will use far less electricity over the course of the month than leaving the system on permanently.

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12) Conclusion

Getting the facts straight about these common myths is the first step to making your home more energy-efficient. Simple changes—like choosing energy-efficient appliances, adding proper insulation, and using a programmable thermostat—can make a big difference. You'll save energy, cut down on your utility bills, and even do your part for the environment. The bottom line? Making informed choices is an easy way to save money and conserve energy.

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13) ​Frequently Asked Energy Saving Questions

13.1) ​Are coffee makers more efficient than a kettle?

The short answer is, "it depends". The longer answer lies with the length of operation and power of each device. There is also the amount of coffee required to consider as well. For example, a single cup for one person is likely to be more efficient produced with a coffee machine rather than a kettle. Whereas, producing more cups of coffee for multiple people is likely to be cheaper using a kettle. You can see our results and experiment on kettle energy consumption here 

13.2) Are air fryers more efficient than ovens?

Generally speaking yes but again it depends. An air fryer used to cook dinner individually for 5 people will likely run for a longer period and take multiple operations compared to an oven. Whilst the oven consumes more power than the air fryer minute by minute in most cases, the oven will be on for less time and can cook larger amounts of food. If preparing dinner for one or two then the air fryer is likely to come up trumps. It does depend on the run time and number of operations though. 

13.3) Do LED bulbs last for 50'000 hours?

​Many LED bulbs will indeed last for 50'000 hours in some cases but there are several factors to consider. Higher quality LED bulb and lamps will likely reach this figure under perfect operating conditions but lower quality lamps may not. The issue often lies not with the LED components themselves but with circuitry controlling them. The circuitry is often the first point to fail rather than the Light Emitting Diodes.
 

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