With energy costs steadily rising, many consumers are scouring the internet for tips on how to heat their homes efficiently.

Concerned about how to keep the cost of bills down this winter, many of us are tempted to try a wide array of so-called ‘money-saving hacks’ – some of which are more successful than others. Amid the flood of advice, it can be challenging to separate reliable information from myths and misconceptions, but the experts at MakeMyHouseGreen have shared one tip that really could make a difference.

They recommend that by taking a few minutes to change the settings on your home thermostat before the cold weather kicks in, Brits could see savings on their energy bills for very little effort.

A common belief is that keeping the heating on all day helps maintain a comfortable temperature, but modern heating systems can actually reach the desired temperature quickly, making this approach inefficient and costly.

Llewellyn Kinch, energy expert and CEO of MakeMyHouseGreen, explains that programmable thermostats and smart home systems can optimize heating usage by allowing you to schedule when your heating turns on and off. “This helps reduce overall energy consumption, as your system only runs when needed,” Kinch says.

He notes that there are some exceptions, such as heat pumps, which operate more continuously, but for most systems, leaving the heating on all day is unnecessary and wasteful.

A home thermostat is a device used to regulate and maintain the temperature inside a home. It senses the current indoor temperature and compares it to the homeowner’s desired temperature.

When there’s a difference, it sends signals to the heating system to turn on or off to reach the set temperature. Home thermostats improve comfort and energy efficiency by ensuring that the home is heated only when necessary, so adjusting your settings could save you money this winter.

The experts have shared some more advice that could also help to keep costs down this winter, dispelling myths often shared online.

Avoid turning up the thermostat

The experts said: “Turning up the thermostat doesn’t speed up heating; it only raises the final temperature and can overheat the home, as systems work at a constant rate.”

Use electric heaters sparingly

While electric heaters are effective for small spaces, they cost more when used as a primary heat source. The experts said: “Well-maintained central heating is still more efficient for larger areas.”

Ensure your home is well-insulated

According to the experts, it’s not only open doors and windows that let the heat out.

They said: “Heat is lost through poor insulation, unsealed gaps, and insufficient weather stripping, so it’s important to address all areas of your home for better heat retention.”

Solar panels still work in the winter

If you have previously invested in solar panels to help power your home, the experts urge homeowners to remember that they still work in winter, producing substantial energy despite shorter days.

They also believe that the cold weather can even help them operate more efficiently.

Speaking about the potential risks of seeking out money-saving advice online, Llewellyn Kinch, energy expert and CEO of MakeMyHouseGreen said: “A lot of people have misguided ideas about heating, which might actually make their homes less energy- and cost-efficient. This issue becomes especially urgent during winter, when heating costs are high, and households are eager to find ways to lower their bills.

Kinch advises consumers to be cautious and to fact-check before adopting any online energy-saving strategies.