Saving energy is like a struggle, which almost every homeowner is dealing with. However, there are numerous ways that can help in saving and improving energy efficiency. Say, for example, by changing the old appliances with the new ones, controlling or setting a constant temperature of the thermostat, and many more.
Saving energy is beneficial to both the environment and your money. However, not everything you hear is accurate. Unfortunately, there is some misinformation out there. These typical energy efficiency fallacies can divert your attention away from sound advice and, in some situations, increase your energy consumption.
However, with every advantage, myths are such things that can increase a person’s confusion. In fact, there are various myths that are not actually true. Hence, you need to be cautious in understanding which myths are correct and which is not. Below we have mentioned some of the interesting energy efficiency myths that are actually false.
So buckle up as we are going to lift the veil of truth today!
Let’s get started…
Myth 1 – Your home will heat up faster if you raise the thermostat.
Your heating system maintains a constant temperature. Turning up the heat doesn’t make anything go faster. If you want a room to reach 70 degrees faster, raising the temperature to 80 degrees won’t help. In fact, if you forget and leave the thermostat set at 80 degrees, your heating system will have to work harder to attain that temperature, wasting energy. Similarly, decreasing your air conditioning system to a set point below your desired temperature will not only take longer to chill your home but will also waste energy.
This is another one of those energy-saving misconceptions that might really cost you money. Turning to technology is a better option. A programmable thermostat that optimizes the schedule of your heating (or cooling) system can help you conserve electricity.
Myth 2 – A vacant room will be cooled by ceiling fans
Ceiling fans cool rooms, according to a prevalent energy-saving fallacy. They move air to increase sweat evaporation on your skin, so it may seem that way. A fan, on the other hand, cools you, not the space around you. The fan is just moving the air if you aren’t in the room.
Using your ceiling fan in conjunction with your air conditioner, on the other hand, can enhance energy efficiency by more effectively circulating cool air.
Myth 3 – It takes less energy to leave a light on than it does to turn it on and off
This is another one of those energy-saving myths based on a misinterpretation of a fact. It’s true that turning on a light produces a larger initial burst of energy than the light consumes when it’s on. However, the explosion is barely a fraction of a second long. If you leave a light on for an extended period of time, it can build up. If you’re going to be out of the room for more than 15 minutes, the US Department of Energy recommends turning off the light rather than leaving it on.
Myth 4 – It is more efficient to use area heaters rather than whole-house heating
Do electric heaters actually save money, you might wonder? Frequently, the answer is no. You could believe that turning down the thermostat in your entire house and using a space heater solely in the room you’re in is more efficient. The issue is that even energy-efficient space heaters require more electricity than your standard heating system.
Myth 5 – Instead of using the dishwasher, you should hand-wash your dishes
When fallacies about home energy are debunked, you can occasionally save time and effort. Hand-washing dishes may appear to be the most cost-effective option, but you’re likely using more hot water than your dishwasher. ENERGY STAR® appliances are built to be exceptionally energy efficient. Learn how to correctly load a dishwasher, then sit back and relax while it does its job. It will perform better with less effort on your part.
Myth 6 – Lowering the thermostat isn’t going to save you a lot of money
This is an example of wishful thinking when it comes to energy saving myths. Lowering your thermostat can help you save a lot of money on energy. According to Energy.gov, you can save 5 to 15% on your energy bill by reducing your energy consumption by 5% to 15%. During the colder months, set your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees lower for eight hours or more. If you do it at night, you may not notice a change.
You can also learn how to keep your house cool without air conditioning in the summer to save money on power.
Myth 7 – It is more efficient to use area heaters rather than whole-house heating
Do electric heaters actually save money, you might wonder? Frequently, the answer is no. You could believe that turning down the thermostat in your entire house and using a space heater solely in the room you’re in is more efficient. The issue is that even energy-efficient space heaters require more electricity than your standard heating system.
Myth 8 – When you switch off your appliances, they don’t use any energy
Is it true that unplugging gadgets save electricity? Yes, and in large quantities. Many appliances nowadays continue to consume electricity even when they are turned off. Unplugging devices and appliances that aren’t in use can help reduce waste.
Because this can be inconvenient or you may forget to do it, using a smart plug can be really useful in this situation. You can use your phone to control when an appliance draws power from an outlet or program a smart plug to shut power to an item..
Conclusion
It’s a good thing to save energy. And distinguishing between myths and truths about energy saving helps ensure that your extra effort pays off. Yet, you’re confused about saving energy efficiently at your home; Mass Energy Expert is always a call away. You can contact us and get the required help anytime!