With energy costs rising again by 2% this autumn, many UK households are turning to advice from friends, family, and the internet to manage their heating systems more efficiently and find ways to cut down on their utility bills. But not all advice is created equal, as some heating myths could lead to higher bills or even damage your system long-term.
To put your mind at ease, we’ve debunked the top 6 most common heating myths in the UK to provide homeowners like yourself with reliable, expert advice to help you stay warm and save money during the winter months.
Myth 1: Leaving the heating on low all day is cheaper
The truth: A common FAQ we hear: “is it cheaper to leave the heating on low all day?”. Many believe that keeping the heating on low and continuously throughout the day is more cost-effective than turning it on and off. However, this approach wastes energy as you’re consuming more fuel than required. Instead, use a timer so the heating comes on during peak periods you need to heat your home the most, or use a smart heating thermostat to control your heating room-by-room – a highly efficient way to save on energy bills.
Using thermostats, you can also use the holiday programme to keep heat flowing around your house in case you’re away during the winter time. This is really important as popping the heating on for short periods of time can prevent pipes from freezing, should the weather reach minus temperatures.
You may be surprised to hear that leaving the heating on low all day is a different case if you have a heat pump installed. Running a heat pump consistently is more beneficial for the system. If the temperature drops, keeping it on reduces the impact of the air pump having to work harder to raise the temperature back up again. Maintaining a consistent level can improve its efficiency, and therefore reduce your home’s energy output as a result.
Myth 2: Turning the thermostat up high will heat the room faster
The Truth: Cranking up the thermostat doesn’t heat a room any faster, it only makes your boiler work harder to reach a higher temperature, potentially leading to overheating. Increasing the temperature by just one degree can cost an extra £80 per year! Instead, set your smart heating thermostat to a comfortable level and allow it to warm the room gradually. Control every room temperature, setting it to a comfortable, economic level to warm up steadily, exactly when you need it.
Myth 3: Radiators need to be boiling hot to work properly
The Truth: Radiators don’t need to be scorching hot to keep your home warm. Modern electric radiators used alongside a timed thermostat, like those from Fischer Future Heat, are designed to deliver consistent warmth room-to-room at lower temperatures. Setting your radiators between 18°C-21°C is more energy-efficient and better for the environment. In fact, you could save £90 a year turning the temperature down from 22°C to 21°C.
Myth 4: Electric heating is always more expensive
The Truth: While older electric systems can be costly (factoring the cost of electricity vs gas), modern energy-efficient solutions like hybrid electric heating combine energy from two sources, reducing the waste of fossil fuels and providing longer-term savings. For example, a combination of using a heat pump during winter can provide up to 90% of efficient winter energy, with the rest covered by gas or oil, depending on your type of boiler and fuel source.
Myth 5: You can ignore a slightly noisy heating system
The Truth: Any unusual noise, such as banging or whistling, is often a sign of an underlying issue. This could be the cause of a build up of limescale, a faulty fan or a worn out pump. Don’t ignore these signs, as it could lead to bigger problems down the line, resulting in costly repairs, inefficiencies in your heating system or worst case, it breaking down. No-one wants to wake up to no hot water or heating, especially in the colder months!
Myth 6: You don’t need to service your heating system regularly
The Truth: Even if your heating appears to be working fine, regular servicing of your boiler, bleeding the radiators and checking for leaks is essential to maintain efficiency and prevent your heating system from breaking down. Always contact a professional to service your system – a poorly maintained boiler can lose up to 10–15% efficiency and impact the running costs. Keep an eye out for signs of rust and cold spots in your radiators too, which routine maintenance can spot and prevent. This ensures your system remains safe, reliable and cost-effective to reduce your energy bills long-term.
It’s time to heat things up with the truth
Understanding how an efficient heating system works and debunking these common heating myths is key to saving money and keeping your home warm and comfortable throughout the year. For more solutions to reduce your households’ carbon footprint, check out our energy-saving, electric heating systems.
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