Energy Saving Myths That Might Be Costing You

Every homeowner remembers the so-called conventional wisdom of energy-saving taught by friends and family. But maybe it’s time to look into these and see if they really do save money on your monthly bill. Check out some of these common energy saving myths that might be costing you.

Energy efficiency and energy conservation is the same thing

Let’s get this out of the way first — do not confuse yourself with the terms “energy efficient” and “energy conservation”.

If your home is using less energy to produce the same number of functions, then congratulations! You are being energy efficient. On the other hand, if you are cutting down some functions to lower energy consumption (turning off lights, lowering the heat, etc.) then that falls under energy conservation. Energy efficiency can change the overall cost of your home, so it is best to understand how it works.

Changing the level of your thermostat affects the speed of your room’s heating or cooling

This is similar to some heat-related appliances as well. Many assume that setting your thermostat at higher levels, or putting your AC at lower levels, will make your house hotter or colder faster. That is not the case — in fact it will only increase your electricity bill.

Keep your home at your preferred temperature, or set the thermostat to not go too far above or below your preferred temperature when you’re away. Your home won’t get too hot or too cold, and you’ll be fine.

Closing vents cut down on your consumption

There is a very common idea that unused rooms should have their vents closed as a way to save energy. This can’t be farther from the truth. All that is happening is the air restricted from those rooms redirects into another room with open vents, and the closed vents put pressure on the ducts, which means an overall strain on your system.

Using a space heater is cheap for one room

You’ll hear this myth from a lot of people, but the truth is space heaters aren’t energy efficiency-friendly. At best, they work for short periods, but even so they consume a lot of electricity. There are some heaters you can buy that are effective — but unless you use them right, or if your house isn’t well insulated, then they aren’t worth it.

Leave your lights on to use less energy than turning them on and off

This myth has definitely become obsolete as the years have passed. It was thought previously turning them on and off produced energy spikes, but lights and electrical products have increased in efficiency in the last 20 years. If you can turn off your lights and machines, its best you do so.

You can save more energy if you turn off your electronics

In fact, many devices like home theater systems or some kitchen appliances still suck the electricity from your home even when shut down. This is because many of them go into standby mode, and are not completely turned off. You have two options that can remedy this: unplug the electronics or use a power strip that can be switched on and off.

Ceiling fans cool down the room if left turned on

Fans do not produce cold, they merely move air in a way that cools us down when it hits our body and skin. Think about how a breeze works — it just moves through you and refreshes you, but the moment it passes by, you’re left back in the heat.