Winter energy myths busted - what actually saves energy in winter

Did you know that over half of your energy bills are spent on heating and hot water?⁽¹⁾ With winter just around the corner, now's the time to check that your heating system is running efficiently and not costing you more than it should. It’s also important to steer clear of common myths that could actually be driving up your energy bills instead of helping you save. A few simple checks and smart habits can make a big difference. In this article, we’ll break down some of the most common energy myths so that you and your family can stay cosy without wasting energy this winter.

On this page

• Myth 1: Turning the heat up warms the room faster
• Myth 2: Closing vents in windows saves energy
• Myth 3: Electric/space heaters always save money
• Myth 4: Using fireplaces is better than central heating
• Myth 5: Windows don’t impact energy efficiency
• Myth 6: Curtains and blinds don’t help heat loss
• Myth 7: Keeping the oven on after cooking warms the house
• Myth 8: Turning off heating in rooms keeps costs down

Most Common Energy Myths

Myth 1: Turning the heat up warms the room faster

It might seem reasonable to think that turning your heating up to the max will heat up your home quicker, but this isn’t true! Your heating system focuses on maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the house rather than the speed of warming. This means that turning up the temperature on your thermostat doesn’t quicken the rate of warming but instead makes the heating run longer, which will impact your energy bill.

Instead, it's better to wait for your system to heat your home at its own pace, and keep the warmth in by making a few simple changes. Things like keeping the area around radiators clear and preventing curtains from blocking the vents will allow heat to spread more easily. You can also install door sweeps to prevent cold air drafts. The main thing to avoid is tampering with your thermostat!

Myth 2: Closing vents in windows saves energy

Less cold air in the room surely means that less energy is used to heat it up, right? Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as that. It’s important to maintain airflow throughout your house to prevent uncomfortable, stuffy environments and internal condensation buildup. Increased moisture inside your home can make it feel colder, prompting you to turn up the heat, which in turn increases your energy use. Over time, this condensation creates a damp environment that encourages mould growth, which can damage surfaces and affect indoor air quality. Repairing mould-related damage, such as replacing plaster, repainting walls, or treating wood rot, can lead to costly maintenance bills that far outweigh any minor savings from closing vents. Overall, it's better to leave your window vents open to maintain a fresh airflow in your home.

Myth 3: Electric/space heaters always save money

Electric or space heaters are ideal for warming small areas, such as a bedroom or home office. If you’re only using one room for a few hours, they can be a more cost-effective option than heating the entire house all day. However, they’re not an effective replacement for central heating. Relying on multiple space heaters to heat your whole home is typically less efficient and more expensive than using a central heating system. For best results, use space heaters to supplement your central heating when needed, this balances comfort with energy savings.

Myth 4: Using fireplaces is better than central heating

While traditional fireplaces may be cheaper to install than central heating systems, they share a common drawback with electric and space heaters: they’re better suited for heating a single room rather than an entire home. In contrast, central heating is designed to deliver consistent and efficient warmth throughout your living space, offering you more control over temperature settings. Also, wood-burning and gas-fuelled fireplaces release pollutants that could affect your indoor air quality and potentially lead to health risks. Considering both efficiency and environmental impact, central heating is the smarter, more eco-friendly option.

Myth 5: Windows don’t impact energy efficiency

Did you know that around 10-30%⁽²⁾ of heat loss in your home happens through the windows? That’s a significant amount, but you can reduce it with energy-efficient glazing. Upgrading from single-glazed to A-rated double-glazed windows can make a real difference, saving up to £140 a year on energy bills in Great Britain and £160 in Northern Ireland⁽³⁾. It’s not just about costs either; this upgrade also reduces CO₂ emissions by 380kg annually in GB and 550kg in NI. Double glazing works by using two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar. The gap between them acts as an insulating barrier, helping to trap heat inside and keep the cold out. So, if you’re looking to boost your home’s energy efficiency, don’t overlook your windows as they play a crucial role in keeping warmth in and costs down.

Myth 6: Curtains and blinds don’t help heat loss

Curtains, blinds, and other window coverings do more than just add style to your home; they act as an extra barrier against the cold. They significantly lower heat loss and improve energy efficiency by keeping warm air inside and cold air out. Some of the most effective options are thick and thermal curtains and honeycomb blinds. Honeycomb blinds work well to trap warm air within their layered fabrics, improving insulation. These simple additions can reduce heat loss by up to 40%⁽⁴⁾! To make the most of their insulating power, we recommend closing your curtains at dusk to keep in the warmth and opening them during the day to let natural sunlight warm your space. Just be sure your curtains don’t cover radiators. Keeping your radiators clear means heat can circulate freely, ensuring your room stays cosy without wasting energy.

Myth 7: Keeping the oven on after cooking warms the house

We can acknowledge that running your oven can make your kitchen feel warmer, but relying on it to heat your home is neither safe nor efficient. To maximise energy efficiency during winter, proper temperature regulation is essential- and you can’t do this if you’re using your oven as a heater! Leaving your oven on for heat can lead to higher energy bills than using a dedicated heating system, not to mention the safety risks. Ovens aren’t designed for space heating, and using them this way can pose serious fire hazards. So, while it might seem like a quick fix, it’s a costly and potentially dangerous myth best avoided.

Myth 8: Turning off heating in rooms keeps costs down

It might seem logical to turn off radiators in unused rooms to cut heating costs, but this approach can actually backfire. If your boiler was installed before 2005, then yes, you can save money this way, but if, like most households, you have a modern condensing boiler, it doesn't quite work. These heating systems are designed to operate efficiently at specific flow temperatures (the water temperature in the pipes). They're most efficient at a lower flow temperature, which is easier to achieve when more radiators are in use. Essentially, fewer radiators = higher flow temperature = less efficiency, potentially increasing heating bills.

Additionally, unheated rooms may become damp and cold, risking long-term damage to your home—another unnecessary maintenance cost you’d rather avoid. Rather than selectively turning off radiators, it’s better to maintain a consistent, moderate temperature throughout your home, ensuring your heating system runs smoothly and efficiently. In rooms that are rarely used, consider keeping the radiator on but turning down the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) to a lower setting. This helps maintain airflow and prevents cold spots without wasting energy.

When it comes to heating your home efficiently, it’s easy to fall for common myths that seem logical on the surface but can actually lead to higher bills and costly damage. The key is balance: maintain airflow, regulate temperature smartly, and invest in insulation where it counts. Small changes like clearing radiator space and using thermal curtains can make a big impact. Stay warm, stay savvy, and let your heating system do what it’s designed to do: keep your home comfortable and efficient all winter long.

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