5 energy myths debunked ahead of bill price hikes

With energy bills set to rise next week, it’s more important than ever to separate fact from fiction when it comes to saving energy.

From 1 October, the energy price cap is set to increase by 2%, pushing the average annual dual-fuel bill to around £1,755. This means many households could see their bills rise by roughly £35 a year. This means making small, smart changes to how you use energy is more important than ever.

Here, we’re debunking five common energy myths and explaining why each one is right or wrong, so you can make informed choices and keep your bills under control.

1. Myth: Keeping the heating on low all day is cheaper

Why it’s wrong: It’s a common belief that maintaining a constant, low temperature uses less energy than heating from cold. In reality, your boiler works harder over time to maintain that temperature, which can actually increase energy use and costs.

Smart tip: Set a timer to heat your home only when you need it, like just before you wake up or get home from work. This avoids heating an empty house and reduces wasted energy. Pair it with a slightly lower thermostat setting or closing doors in unused rooms and you could save around £100-£150 a year - a simple change that really adds up.

2. Myth: Turning off lights doesn’t save much

Why it’s wrong: Every bit of energy counts. Leaving lights on, even for short periods, adds up over time, especially in homes with multiple rooms or when the evenings are longer.

Smart tip: Switch off lights when leaving a room. Swap old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs, which use much less electricity and last longer. Doing this across your home could save around £30 a year.

3. Myth: Boiling a full kettle is always necessary

Why it’s wrong: Boiling more water than you need wastes electricity, which adds up over a year.

Smart tip: Only boil the amount of water you actually need. Kettles with water level indicators make it easy to avoid overfilling. Doing this daily could save around £15-£20 a year.

4. Myth: Standby mode doesn’t use much energy

Why it’s wrong: Many appliances, from TVs and game consoles to chargers and microwaves, still draw power in standby mode. This “phantom load” quietly adds to your bills.

Smart tip: Switch off devices completely when they’re not in use. Using a power strip makes it easier to disconnect multiple devices at once. Over a year, this could save around £25-£40.

5. Myth: Washing clothes at any temperature is fine

Why it’s right - if you know the trick: Modern detergents work well at lower temperatures, so hot washes aren’t always necessary. Washing at higher temperatures uses significantly more energy.

Smart tip: Wash clothes at 30°C whenever possible. You’ll still get clothes clean but use less electricity, which could save around £20-£30 a year.

Other things you need to know

With the upcoming energy price cap increase, a few simple energy-saving habits can make a real difference to your bills. Using timers, lowering thermostat settings, and switching off devices when not in use are easy ways to save money without compromising comfort.

But if you’re worried about your energy bills or are falling behind on payments, don’t wait. Contact your energy supplier to see if you’re eligible for support, such as payment plans, hardship schemes, or government assistance from schemes like the Household Support Fund. If you’re struggling with more than just energy bills, speak to us as we can help find the right debt solution for you.

Acting early helps stop debts from mounting and gives you room to manage your finances.