Top Energy Myths That Cost UK Homes More Money In 2025

Many people in the UK still try old ways to save energy. But these do not really help to lower energy bills. In 2025, more people will talk about heating costs and energy usage. It is important to know what works and what does not.

A new survey from David Wilson Homes shows many people who own homes still believe common energy myths. Almost half of them get some things wrong. Some people say it is better to keep the heating on low all day. Some people say that solar panels do not work when the weather is cloudy. These wrong ideas can make energy costs go up. It also gets in the way of good energy efficiency and stops people from cutting down on their carbon footprint.

Are Heating Myths Still Costing UK Homes Money?

A lot of people say you should leave the heating system on low all day to save money. But this is not true. A central heating system will use more fuel if it is always on. If you turn it on and off when you need, you can use less and save more.

The Energy Saving Trust says that you can save about £100 to £150 each year. You do this by using a programmable thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves. They help to heat your home only when you need it. This way is better than keeping the heating on all the time.

Heating Myth vs Reality

Using radiator reflector panels, heavy curtains, and good insulation helps retain heat loss through walls and windows, providing a simple, low-cost way to reduce energy consumption.

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Does Turning Off Lights and Appliances Really Make a Difference?

Yes, if you turn off your appliances and lights, you can save energy. It does help, and you will notice a change in the amount you use. But, around 40% of UK households feel the savings are too small to bother with.

Lighting takes up around 11% of the electricity in a home, based on what Ofgem say. If you use LED bulbs and turn off the lights when you leave the room, you could save about £30 every year. This save is for an average household.

Standby Power and Energy Usage

Unplugging devices that you do not need is an easy way to lower energy use. A smart plug also can help you with this. You set it to turn things off at certain times. This way, you cut power waste when you do not use the devices.

Is Boiling a Full Kettle Always Necessary?

No. In 2025, around 41% of people with homes still put too much water in the kettle, even when they do not need all that water. This can waste water and power every time you use it. If you use just enough water when boiling, you might save from £15 to £20 each year. This is what Energy Saving Trust says.

This idea is about how small changes with kitchen appliances can help a lot. Slow cookers, pressure cookers, and air fryers use less energy than conventional ovens when you cook larger meals. You still get the same results, but your food will be ready faster.

Running your washing machine or dishwasher when it is full, and not just half full, helps cut waste. This also makes the machines work better.

Do Solar Panels Work in Cloudy UK Weather?

Yes, modern solar panels do work well even if there is not much sunlight. There are still many people in Britain who say solar power only works when the sun is very strong. More than 30% of UK people think the same thing. But this is not true.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says solar power gave the UK 15.9% of its electricity in the summer of 2025. Solar panels use even soft light, so they can make energy when it is cloudy outside.

Solar Power Efficiency Facts

Homes with solar systems often pair them with battery storage or air source heat pumps, helping maximise renewable energy use and reduce energy bills long-term.

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Is Double Glazing the Best Home Upgrade?

While double glazing can help lower heat loss, it is not the top way to fix the problem. A lot of people think windows are where most heat gets out. In fact, 48% of homeowners feel this way. But the truth is, walls and the roof let out most of the heat. More than half of the heat leaves through those spots. The windows only let out about 10 to 15 percent of all heat loss.

If you want to save more money, it is good to start with loft and wall insulation before thinking about triple glazing. The Energy Saving Trust says this is the best way to go when you upgrade your home.

Good insulation keeps your home warm, even on sunny days. When the sun shines, it helps hold the sun’s heat inside. This means your house stays comfy and nice. If you have good insulation, the heat stays in longer, and you feel cozy.

Are New Homes Automatically Energy Efficient?

Many people say that new homes should have good energy efficiency. But this does not always happen. A lot of new homes get an EPC rating of B or better. Even then, they may not use less energy if you do not heat or light the home in the right way. So, just having a new home does not mean it will use less energy.

Older houses can be made to work as well as new ones. This can be done by putting in more insulation, LED lights, and smart controls. Local authorities now help with these retrofitting plans. These plans let older homes get just as good at saving energy as newer ones.

Homeowners should check their EPC certificate and consider improvements like:

• Adding programmable thermostats
• Installing radiator reflector panels
• Sealing drafts and improving ventilation

Do Heat Pumps and Electric Heaters Cost Less Than Gas Boilers?

Some people feel that heat pumps or electric heaters will always cost less to run. This is not the case. Heat pumps do turn energy into heat better than what gas or oil heaters can do. But it can cost you a lot if electricity prices get high. If you do not have good insulation in your house, it may take much more energy to keep it warm. So, what you pay for heat pumps is mostly set by electricity rates and how well your home can hold onto heat because of good insulation.

In 2025, air source heat pumps will give out three times the heat for the energy you put in. A heat pump works best when the home is closed up and does not let heat escape. So, if you use heat pumps, it is good to make sure your house keeps warm air inside.

Using heat pumps is a good way to cut down on the carbon footprint. If you use power from clean energy, the amount of carbon made can drop by up to 65%. This is much less than what you get from gas systems. Heat pumps that run on clean energy help people lower pollution in the year.

Is It True That Colour of Your Radiator Affects Heat Output?

Yes, but the difference between them is small. White or light-colored radiators send heat back into the room more. Dark ones take in a bit more heat but don’t send out as much to the space. Still, this will not make a big difference overall.

Painting radiators dark is not a good idea if you want to save energy. The best way to cut down on energy use is to make insulation better or use radiator reflector panels. These options help you save more.

Can Running Appliances at Night Save Money?

It depends on the plan you have. Most people on regular plans pay the same price for power through the day. If you use plans that have prices based on time, or if you have an EV plan, you could save money by using power at night.

Off-peak rates can be lower, and you may save between 20% and 40%. Smart meters help with this, because they show the hour-by-hour energy use in your house. If you use power during off-peak times, you can pay less.

If you use electric cars, dishwashers, or washing machines at home, you can get maximum efficiency by running them overnight. You will find it safe. You can also make good use of your time and energy this way.

Is Renewable Energy Reliable in the UK Climate?

Yes, renewable energy is now providing more than half of all the UK’s electricity. Government data shows that for the second quarter of 2025, it is more than 54%. The weather does go up and down, but the power grid keeps working. A blend of wind, solar, and hydro helps keep our lights on every day. These sources make sure there is a steady supply of energy for all of us.

Using clean energy helps to slow climate change. We can also use less fossil fuel when we switch to clean energy.

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What Everyday Energy Habits Waste the Most Power?

Many UK homes use between 200 and 500 kWh each year. A lot of this energy gets used up by leaving devices on standby. Poor insulation and using appliances too much also play a big part. All of these habits make higher bills for people. They also put more emissions into the air, which is not good for us.

Simple Fixes for Lower Bills

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How to Reduce Energy Bills in 2025

Even after avoiding common energy myths, there are reliable ways to bring down household energy costs in 2025:

• Use heating timers and thermostatic radiator valves – only heat rooms when needed to save around £100–£150 each year.
• Add loft or wall insulation – good insulation cuts heat loss and can reduce annual bills by up to £300.
• Switch off appliances at the plug – standby mode still uses power, costing up to £40 a year.
• Run washing machines and dishwashers on full loads – half loads waste both water and electricity.
• Track your usage with a smart meter – helps you spot high-use appliances and adjust habits.
• Review your tariff regularly and compare energy prices – it’s the easiest way to make sure you’re not overpaying under the current price cap.

FAQs About Energy Myths and Real Savings