Heating Controls - Energy tips ''do not work''

13/02/2008

Some well-publicised energy-saving measures do not actually work, according to a home improvement expert.

Writing in his column in the Telegraph, construction lecturer and author Jeff Howell said that much government-sponsored advice is well intentioned but only works in theory.

One good example is the idea that householders can save money by turning down their thermostats by one degree, he continued.

"This is based on a purely theoretical calculation and is not supported by any empirical evidence from actual homes," Mr Howell explained.

He added that most domestic thermostats - with the exception of modern digital versions - are not sensitive enough to respond to such small changes.

Homeowners who are serious about reducing their heating bills should concentrate on identifying cost-effective energy-saving measures such as draught proofing, Mr Howell concluded.

The Energy Saving Trust recommends installing high-efficiency condensing boilers as one of the best ways to cut household fuel bills and carbon emissions.