Biggest Energy Myths
Lighting Myths
Myth: Leaving lights on is more efficient than turning them off.
Fact: Modern LED and fluorescent lights use very little energy when switched on. Turning lights off when rooms are empty is almost always cheaper than leaving them on and reduces unnecessary energy consumption.
Myth: Screensavers save energy.
Fact: Screensavers were designed to protect old monitors, not to reduce energy usage. The only effective way to cut power is to switch monitors off when not in use.
Myth: LEDs do not provide good quality light.
Fact: Early LEDs could feel harsh, but modern LED lighting offers warm tones, diffusers and excellent colour rendering, with far lower energy use than traditional bulbs.
Myth: Replacing lighting is too expensive.
Fact: Many halogen and compact fluorescent lamps now have direct LED replacements that fit existing fittings. Retrofit options often avoid the cost of full replacement.
Heating and Thermostat Myths
Myth: Itis cheaper to leave heating on all day at a low temperature.
Fact: Heating buildings only when needed is more efficient. Timers and scheduling reduce energy use and limit unnecessary strain on heating systems.
Myth: Turning the thermostat up heats a room faster.
Fact: Thermostats control the target temperature, not the speed of heating. Higher settings simply increase energy consumption.
Myth: Most heat is lost through windows.
Fact: In many buildings, walls and roofs account for more heat loss than windows. Insulation improvements often deliver better results than glazing upgrades alone.
General Energy Myths
Myth: Phone and laptop chargers do not use power when not connected to a device.
Fact: Many chargers draw electricity when plugged in. If a charger feels warm, it's consuming power. Unplugging or using power strips helps reduce wasted energy.
Myth: Solar panels only work in summer or direct sunlight.
Fact: Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not heat. Even in cloudy conditions, systems continue to produce energy. In the UK, solar can contribute meaningfully to reducing energy bills throughout the year.
Myth: Paper towels are cheaper than electric hand dryers.
Fact: While hand dryers use electricity, the ongoing cost of buying, storing and disposing of paper towels is typically far higher in busy workplaces.
Myth: Voltage optimisation does not save energy.
Fact: When applied correctly, voltage optimisation can reduce energy consumption by matching supply levels to equipment needs. Organisations such as Glasgow City Council have reported measurable savings.
From Energy Myths to Smarter Energy Use
The key to reducing energy bills is not just technology, but behaviour. Challenging energy myths and replacing them with clear, practical guidance is often the fastest way to reduce energy consumption.
Simple actions such as switching off lights and monitors, using heating controls properly and avoiding standby power can deliver meaningful savings.
When teams understand the realities behind energy use, efficiency becomes part of everyday working culture rather than a one-off initiative.
Tap here to find out more about making smarter, greener choices with your business energy.
From Energy Myths to Smarter Energy Use
The key to reducing energy bills is not just technology, but behaviour. Challenging energy myths and replacing them with clear, practical guidance is often the fastest way to reduce energy consumption.
Simple actions such as switching off lights and monitors, using heating controls properly and avoiding standby power can deliver meaningful savings.
When teams understand the realities behind energy use, efficiency becomes part of everyday working culture rather than a one-off initiative.
Tap here to find out more about making smarter, greener choices with your business energy.
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