Most homeowners are aware of the importance of energy efficiency. From saving a little cash on utility bills to reducing the environmental impact of your home, energy efficiency offers a number of significant benefits. Unfortunately, while there is a great amount of information available about improving energy efficiency, some of this information is inaccurate and based on myths. Here are just some of the most common myths, so you can enjoy a real impact on improving your energy efficiency.
Ceiling Fans Keep a Room Cool:
Many people hold the mistaken belief that ceiling fans will enhance the comfort level in a room even if it is not occupied. This is simply not the case, as ceiling fans are a personal cooling method. Leaving your fans running when you are not using the room will not keep your home cool, it will simply increase your energy use and costs. If you are leaving the room or your home, be sure to turn off any ceiling fans and your air conditioning to save energy.
Leaving Lights On Uses Less Energy Than Turning On and Off:
In the past, fluorescent lights took lots of energy and time to ignite the bulbs. This type of lighting required at least five minutes to reach full lighting capacity, hence the origins of this myth. Fortunately, modern light bulbs only take a second or two to reach maximum potential, which means that you don’t need to waste energy leaving rooms lit when you are not using them. Unless you will be back in the room in a few seconds, turn the light off when you leave.
Don’t Turn Your Computer On and Off:
The same myth applies to your computers. In the past computers and electronic devices needed time to boot up, but the technical advancements in recent years have made this no longer appropriate. Computers will not waste energy or become damaged by turning it off when it is not needed. If you do want immediate access to your computer, use the sleep mode or automatic shutdown to save energy.
Cranking the Thermostat Will Change Temperatures More Quickly:
This is a very common myth, and many homeowners are guilty of cranking the thermostat to cool or heat a room quickly. In fact, the opposite is actually true, adjusting the thermostat or constantly turning it on and up will prompt your system to work harder for longer, using even more energy.
Use Space Heaters to Save on Heating Costs:
Many homeowners attempt to save money on their heating costs by using a space heater or two rather than using their furnace. When you analyze the costs involved, you will understand that this is a myth. Natural gas is a very common heating source in the United States, and electricity can often cost ten times more. This means that not only are you likely to spend the same amount of money when you use space heaters, but you will not gain the benefit of firing up the furnace to heat your whole home, as only one area will be toasty warm.