Half (50 per cent) of all UK householders think it’s cheaper to leave their home heating on all day than turning the heating on or off and up or down when required.
This finding is part of an energy saving mythbusting survey commissioned by the Energy Saving Trust as part of Big Energy Saving Week, which highlights the perceptions of the UK public and how they don’t always match the reality of the energy saving action or statement.
The survey was carried out to a sample of 2,067 online adults in the UK aged 16-75 earlier this month.
Other findings from the Ipsos MORI survey include:
- 30 per cent that think screensavers on computers save energy.
- Almost half (45 per cent) think switched-off electrical appliances don’t use electricity when they’re plugged in at the mains.
- Nearly half (48 per cent) agreed that it’s a hassle to change energy suppliers.
- Two thirds (66 per cent) of people think that more heat is lost through the roof of their home than the walls – however for the majority of properties the walls will actually lose more heat.
However, there were other findings which highlighted a level of awareness from the UK public regarding the correct energy saving actions to take in the home. These include:
- Just 27 per cent incorrectly said turning up their thermostat to a high setting heats the home faster, compared to 54 per cent that correctly said the statement was false.
- Three quarters (75 per cent) know that energy saving light bulbs are compatible with traditional light bulb fittings.
- And, 69 per cent know that solar panels will work during daylight hours regardless of whether the sun is shining or not, with only ten per cent disagreeing.
Energy Saving Trust chief executive Phillip Sellwood said: “We commissioned this survey to bust some of the top energy saving myths we encounter on a daily basis. While for certain actions a portion of the UK public think they are saving energy when they’re not, it’s heartening to see that a lot of people are doing the right thing in the home to save energy.
“We know it’s important for the UK public to stay warm and cosy in their homes. But for the majority the most cost-effective way to do this is to turn the heating on and off or up and down when required rather than leaving it on all day at a lower temperature. This ensures that heat is not wasted and that your home will be at a comfortable temperature.
“Our message to UK householders is clear: if you don’t know where to start when it comes to saving energy and cutting your fuel bill, or just need some advice, visit the Energy Saving Trust website or give the Energy Saving Advice Service a call on 0300 123 1234 for independent and impartial advice.
“Throughout Big Energy Saving Week, the Energy Saving Trust and partners will provide practical solutions and advice to help households save money on their energy bills. For us, saving energy – not wasting it – is the right thing to do and makes total sense.”
According to figures from the Energy Saving Trust, the UK could collectively save nearly £4.4 billion on energy bills if householders took three energy saving actions in the home.
These are:
- Turn it off – Make sure you turn your lights, appliances and chargers off when you’re not using them. Virtually all electrical and electronic appliances can safely be turned off at the plug without upsetting their systems.
- Turn it down – Many households have their central heating set higher than they need, without even realising it. If it’s too warm inside, try turning your room thermostat down by one degree and see if you are still at a comfortable temperature. Every degree that you turn it down will make additional savings to your heating bill.
- Let there be light – Households can now get LED spotlights that are bright enough to replace halogens, as well as regular energy saving bulbs (‘compact fluorescent lamps’ or CFLs) for pretty much everything else. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and fittings and can save households money on their energy bills.
Big Energy Saving Week takes place between Monday 27 and Friday 31 January, with the week aiming to raise awareness of energy and efficiency issues among the UK public through joint working between the voluntary sector and energy suppliers.
The week has taken place twice previously and is funded by the largest six energy companies., with involvement from Citizens Advice Bureau, Energy Saving Trust, Age UK, ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), Consumer Futures, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Ofgem, Energy UK and National Energy Action.
To find out more visit www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk or call 0300 123 1234.
