Common heating control myths costing Scots £40m a year Four fifths of Scottish people (80 per cent) claim to understand how to use their heating controls but many are using their heating controls incorrectly by falling foul to five main myths, a survey has revealed. The findings from an Ipsos MORI survey of over 2,000 UK respondents show that as many as half of respondents misuse energy when they turn up their thermostat. The joint UK campaign between Energy Saving Trust, Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and Citizens Advice also revealed that almost three quarters of Scots are still worried about their energy bills. Of those who thought they understood how to operate their heating controls: ·Over half (53 per cent) turn the thermostat up when it’s cold outside. A home shouldn’t need this as the thermostat is there to maintain the home temperature whatever the weather. ·Over a third (35 per cent) turn their room thermostat up when they want the room to heat up quicker. This does not help a room become warmer any quicker and only heats the home to a warmer temperature. ·41 per cent think it is more energy efficient to leave the heating turned on at a low temperature constantly, rather than turn it on and off. This means these homes are heated when no-one is there to benefit and then the home is too cold when people are in the home. ·Nearly a third (32 per cent) leave their water heating on all the time to make sure they never run out, which could be costing far more on their energy bills than necessary. ·The research also found that few people with electric storage heaters understood how they work (only 37 per cent). This means that households with electric heating could be paying through the nose by not taking advantage of cheaper night rate electricity. The campaign helps householders learn how to take control of their energy bills with free advice available during the week over the phone, online and at events across the UK. Mike Thornton, director of the Energy Saving Trust Scotland said: “Rightfully, millions of householders are confused by their heating controls because, let’s be honest, it is a bit of a minefield. There are plenty of myths out there and it’s no wonder people aren’t getting it right. We are urging customers to learn about the myths, check their tariff, switch suppliers and insulate their homes.” Housing minister Margaret Burgess said: “Rising energy bills remain a huge concern for the Scottish Government and fuel poverty is still a major issue in Scotland, with over 27 per cent of households affected. That’s why we are supportive of the Big Energy Saving Week campaign as it helps households take control of their electricity and heating bills. “Households can get advice on how to qualify for any energy saving improvements and find out how to save money on winter fuel bills through the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland hotline by calling 0808 808 2282.” Energy and climate change secretary Ed Davey added: “The easiest way to cut energy bills fast is to shop around for the cheapest energy deal and switch suppliers. Thanks to government action to reform the energy market the number of independent suppliers has almost trebled since 2010 – encouraging greater competition which helps drive down prices. “We’re also making it easier and quicker for people to switch, and the major energy suppliers have confirmed that switching times will halve by the end of this year to just two and a half weeks.” Written by The Energy Savings Trust Energy Saving Trust (Scotland)
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 09:02:53 +0000
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