UK households urged not to make common thermostat mistake in November

UK households who have a thermostat have been warned over a crucial mistake which is costing them. Households with a thermostat have been warned over a commonly-believed and held myth, which is actually not true, according to an expert anyway.

Llewellyn Kinch, CEO and co-founder of MakeMyHouseGreen, said: "While the internet can provide a wealth of information on how to heat your home, not all of it is accurate or reliable. An energy expert's advice would be to approach online suggestions with caution, fact-check information, and prioritise proper insulation and efficient use of your central heating system.

"By taking these steps, consumers can ensure they are making well-informed decisions when it comes to heating their homes and saving energy and money in the process. This also has a profound impact on the health of our environment, which we know needs all the help it can get these days."

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Turning up the thermostat heating the home faster is a key myth. "Since these systems work at a constant rate, you can do nothing to make the process faster, so only set the thermostat to the desired temperature," he said.

And it being more cost-effective to leave the heating on low all day than to turn it on and off is another myth. He said: "Programmable thermostats and smart home systems can optimise heating usage, allowing you to set a schedule for when your heating goes on and off, therefore reducing your overall energy consumption.

"There may be some exceptions, such as heat pumps that work more continuously." Electric heaters being more efficient than central heating is also a myth. "They’ll cost more if used as the primary heat source," warned Llewellyn.

He said: "Well-maintained modern central heating systems are designed to heat entire spaces more evenly and efficiently, so utilising your heating system effectively with a programmable thermostat or smart home system is often the most cost-effective way to heat your home."

He advised: "Windows and doors are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to efficiently sealing your home. Heat can be lost in many ways, so be sure to evaluate your entire space and not just windows and doors."