Online energy-saving tips could be doing more harm than good in homes, experts warn

Online energy saving tips could actually be posing a danger in the home, experts have warned – including turning off your fridge or your boiler overnight.

A poll of 2,000 UK homeowners or renters found that 34% have “Googled” advice on how to cut down on their energy bills, amid the rising cost-of-living crisis.

But energy supplier EDF have warned that some of these “tips” may be doing more harm than good – and could pose a serious risk to health.

One in five (21%) believe that turning off their fridge overnight will reduce their bills – despite the fact that this could result in food turning bad.

And a further quarter (26%) seem to believe that turning off your boiler at night will save money – when actually, the opposite could be true.

Depending on how well insulated your home is, switching a boiler off overnight could see your property’s warmth drop drastically, and cause more serious issues such as damp walls.

Other commonly searched tricks such as “black radiator paint” – a tactic 12% believe will cut down energy costs – could also be adding to your energy bills, as certain types of paint can make the radiator less efficient.

The advice comes after the poll, by energy provider EDF, also 22% have sought energy-saving advice through a social media platform – but 42% feel there is a lot of conflicting advice, and have struggled to determine the fact from the fiction.

Additional analysis of online search terms has revealed searches for “how to reduce energy bills” has increased by 467% in the last six months.

Philippe Commaret, who heads up customer advice at EDF, said: “Despite these searches being amongst some of the most popular online, when it comes to consumers looking for advice on how to reduce their energy bills, not all make a positive difference – and some can actually be dangerous.”

The study also found more than half (55%) said rising energy bills have made them think more about ways to make their home more energy efficient.

Data from the Energy Savings Trust highlighted how taking a shorter, four-minute shower could save an average household up to £70 a year – although 14% don’t believe this is the case.

It also emerged the typical household will leave 26 appliances on standby rather than switching them off – despite the latter having the potential to save up to £55 per annum.

And only 15% have installed a smart thermostat in a bid to make savings, despite it having the potential to save customers more money each year.

The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found 62% of those who have installed energy efficient measures in their home, have noticed a reduction in their energy bills.

Philippe Commaret added: “Installing a smart meter in the home can be a great way to be more mindful of energy usage.

“Actions like leaving appliances on standby can have more of an impact than we might think.

“Our free Energy Hub shows customers where they’re using most energy, putting them in control.

“Customers can not only cut their use, but their costs, which shows it’s really worthwhile.”