DECC debunks energy myths
DECC has cleared up some 'energy saving' myths, to help homes save on their bills
Halloween may now be behind us, but according to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), our homes are subject to vampires of a very different kind: energy-sucking gadgets.
It turns out that, on average, households spend up to £86 a year as a result of leaving gadgets and appliances on standby.
Obviously, the easy way to save on that cash is simply to ensure that when a gadget isn't in use, it's switched off properly. But the DECC has also debunked a number of 'energy saving' myths to help you cut down your bills further.
Myth: computer screensavers save energy
In short, they don’t. Screensavers still consume energy so the best way to cut your energy bill is by switching off your monitor or computer completely.
Myth: There’s nothing you can do to reduce the amount of energy your fridge, freezer and washing machine uses
You can, it is just a case of changing the settings. Try:
- Closing your fridge door straight away to stop hot air getting in. This means that the fridge won’t use more energy trying to cool itself down
- Using the eco setting on your white goods
- Check the energy rating when you buy new appliances
Myth: LED light bulbs will cost you more
A single LED bulb lasts around 50 times longer than a traditional light bulb, meaning that you spend 80% less. An LED light bulbs costs around £9.30 and will last five and a half years if you leave it running constantly. The cost of traditional light bulbs over the same timespan would cost you around £135.
Myth: It’s a hassle to switch energy suppliers
Even though it can seem a little dull, switching supplier can only take about 45 minutes. Don’t know where to start? Head over to the lovemoney gas and electricity comparison centre and put in a couple of details; we’ll guide you from there.
Compare gas and electricity tariffs with lovemoney.com
More on energy:
E.ON launches cheapest energy tariff
Flow Energy: can an electricity-generating boiler cut your energy bills?
Home Heat Helpline: £310m help for those struggling with energy bills
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Libbyh I live in a solid wall, semi-detached cottage which is approx. 160 years old, with adequate loft insulation. I have found that the most economical course, in my circumstances is to leave the gas-fired central heating system switched on 24/7 during the colder months. I have the heating level on a very low setting when the house is unoccupied and regulated to personal preferences when occupied. ( I am old-school and tend not to find a need for much above 18 degrees ) I have monitored my fuel bills and find that this is the most economical method for my household, but there has been extensive debate, on Lovemoney in the past with no definitive conclusion. As MEANMACHINE2 says, there are so many variables ( I replaced all my windows a couple of years ago and this had a major impact on my usage ) that it is difficult to give specific advice.
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Libbyh. I am afraid that there is not an easy answer to your question as there are a lot of variables.It all starts with what sort of property, flat or house,how old, how thermal efficient,what sort of heating/boiler?, are you a hot or cold person? the list goes on. In general the whilst the heating is running it is costing money. The only way to save really is not to have it turned up more than absolutely neccessary when you need it. This is where a good standard of automatic controls come into play as they are working 24 hours a day making sure that you don't overheat. I think the figure is for every one degree over a comfortable temperature puts 10% more on the bill. After the main time clock there should be an Electronic Thermostat either in the main room or if open plan a central position controlling the heating. The old dial type ones are pretty innaccurate. Then if there is a hot water cylinder, a thermostat controlling water temperature. There should be thermostatic control valves on the radiators for local control. The skys the limit from then on as your can get programmed electronic control valves to switch radiators off rooms not being used. One advantage of Electronic Room thermostats is that some types can be time programmed such that if your want to keep the heating on 24 hours if it is really cold, then they can have one temperature set for when you are up and about but can set down to a lower temperature when you are in bed. With decent controls as least you do get accurate control over your environment and if you find wearing a jumper enables you to turn the temperature down a notch,then thats a saving.
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Spelling mistake! Should have been "I do know".
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15 November 2014