Energy myths unpicked as NI costs soar

Energy costs have got households talking once again as Ofgem announces the latest price cap will increase by 6.4%, moving to £1,849 for those living in England, Wales and Scotland – up by nearly £10 a month per home.

In Northern Ireland, the Utility Regulator monitors energy prices and sets the equivalent of a price cap, via the tariff review process.  At the start of December, the most recent tariff review resulted in a 4% increase in the domestic electricity unit price for a major energy supplier, effective from December 1, 2024.*

Given this latest increase in price, households across the country need to look out for all possible savings.

Ian Wilson, savings expert and Managing Director at CompareNI said: “With the current financial pressures facing homes across the country, managing our energy use becomes more important than ever.

“Homeowners here understand the need to become more energy savvy, but many people are unsure how to make long-term savings that will be big enough to start making a difference to their budget. 

“It’s important that we prepare our homes as best we can across these warmer months, looking at where we can add value and reduce inefficiencies.  Plus we need to update home insurance providers to any changes to ensure our homes stay protected.  

“We took a look at the top energy myths and tips, to help people understand their energy use, reduce their waste and incorporate changes into their routine – carving out savings to help combat the fluctuating energy prices.”

CompareNI has put together 10 top myths on energy use in the home with tips on how to create savings.

1.You should turn off radiators in rooms that you do not use?

It’s sensible to keep radiators on low in empty rooms, number two setting on a TRV is usually around 15 degrees C – too low for most people to feel comfortable but should be enough to keep those unused areas damp free. Avoid turning these above four as that is about 23 degrees C which will cost more to run and is likely too warm for most people. 

2.Washing clothes at lower temperatures does not clean them properly?

Manufacturers of washing powders and liquids have designed them to work effectively at lower temperatures. Most of the energy used by a washing machine is to heat the water, so lower temperatures will save you money.  Some items like bedding or underwear may need a high temperature wash, but for most items you should be able to make a saving.

3.Immersion heaters are expensive to run?

Electricity is usually more expensive than gas (typically three times the price). Whilst electricity is 100% efficient at heating, a modern gas boiler should be at least 90% – so despite being a little less efficient, it is usually cheaper to use gas or oil to heat your water. If you have off-peak electricity (such as Economy 7) which gives you cheap nighttime rates, then it could work out cheaper to use the immersion to heat the water – but only if you have a timer to control it and use the water before it cools down.

4.Electric blanket versus hot water bottle?

This is a tricky one and really depends on the needs of the user.  Electric blankets usually cost 3p-4p per hour to run (24p to 32p per night).  Remember to check them regularly to make sure there is no damage to any of the wires or signs of overheating.  Hot water bottles only cost a couple of pennies to fill – but remember to only use warm water to avoid damaging the bottle and take care when filling it to avoid scalds. The downside is that it only stays warm for a few hours, and there is a risk of a leak if it’s not properly closed, they also need replaced every two years.

5.Tumble dryers are bad?

It is one of the most energy hungry appliances in the home – but given the climate in the UK, getting things dried without one can be challenging.  Try to use a clothesline outdoors when you can but if you must use the tumble dryer, think about the time of day for using it – if you have solar panels then aim for the peak periods around noon, or if you have off-peak electricity, then try to use it then – some appliances have a handy timer function which can help. Modern tumble dryers also have sensor functions, that stop once the moisture levels are low.

6.Tinfoil behind the radiators saves money?

Not for long! Ordinary tinfoil is made from very thin rolled aluminium which becomes dull as it oxidises, reducing its effectiveness quickly. Radiators only give off around 20% radiant heat, the other 80% is actually convection heat which will not be reflected anyway.  There are a variety of specialist reflective radiator panels on the market which are good for older homes, however if you already have cavity wall insulation then its less likely you will make any significant savings with these.

7.Is it cheaper to use small electric heaters?

If you need a quick boost of heat in a room, then a small heater might be useful – but be cautious, some of them use a lot of electricity and with prices now high they can be costly if used too often.  A typical electric fan heater is rated at 2kW (meaning it uses two units every hour) – with the current price of energy that equates to approximately 60p every hour, so running it when working at home could cost you £24 for a 40-hour week. 

8.Dehumidifiers save money?

A dehumidifier condenses the moisture from the air which can then be disposed of. Drier air is easier to heat, so if you have a humid home then they may save you money. The downside is that they usually cost more than £100 and the cost of a 300 watt dehumidifier could be over £17 a week if you need to run it 24 hours a day.  Best to check the air moisture level of your home before investing, you can buy a basic ‘thermo-hygrometer’ for around £10 which will let you know the ‘relative humidity’ of the air.

9.Grants are only for people on benefits?

It is a common misconception that you can only get assistance with energy saving measures if you receive certain benefits. There are lots of different initiatives to help people save money, from new heating systems to insulation, to boiler upgrades and draught proofing.  Organisations like the Energy Savings Trust are there to help,  it’s worth reviewing the options and checking if you’re eligible. 

10.Fires are much cheaper than central heating?

Probably not – the cost of coal and wood has also increased significantly; energy costs have gone up for the producers which has had a knock-on effect on solid fuels too. A modern central heating boiler will be more than 90% efficient when serviced annually and it is much easier to control the temperature using thermostats. Open fires can be inefficient (usually less than 20%), which makes them expensive to use.  For all fire types – make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted,  never leave a fire unattended and have your chimney swept regularly – failure to do so could also invalidate your home insurance. 

CompareNI.com can help people in Northern Ireland find savings on all sorts of everyday items and household bills such as health, life and home insurance. The price comparison site helps households compare products, cut out waste and reduce costs where possible, with rewards and cash back on groceries and essentials.  

References:

*https://www.uregni.gov.uk/files/uregni/documents/2024-11/Briefing%20paper%20for%20Power%20NI%20tariff%20review%20-%20December%202024.pdf