4 Energy Saving Misnomers to Ignore in 2017

When you have any popular way of thinking catching on, there’s always some truths…and mistruths. Sometimes the latter are spread intentionally. Other times, they simply arise naturally in people’s minds.

There was a prediction in the 1970s that every American would be driving helicopter-like vehicles, rather than cars, by the 1990s. So much for that happening!

The same happens with energy savings. Predictions don’t come true. Others spread false rumors intentionally. So, check out some of these misunderstandings you may have caught from somewhere else so you don’t find yourself missing out on true energy savings:

Energy Star Appliances Always Save You the Most Energy

While true in most situations, this isn’t necessarily true in every case. Energy Star, historically, has been based on companies monitoring the energy usage of their own products.

As you might expect, some let their own products slide through any checks. So, they claim Energy Star compliance when they shouldn’t. Energy Star has taken steps to stop this from happening.

But for now, consider reading Consumer Reports and similar websites to learn the truth about what you want to purchase before you actually get it.

• New Homes Are Energy Efficient

The typical new home is truly more energy efficient than the older one. But, this is not always the case.

Contractors sometimes cut corners to keep the project profitable. So, if you’re considering buying a new home that just recently got built, make sure you check up on the energy usage first so you know what you’re getting into.

• The Process of Turning Lights and Appliances On or Off Uses Extra Energy

When you turn your appliance, device, or lights on, do they actually use more energy during that brief time?

No. They do not. Some people are tempted to think this, as it appears to make logical sense. However, the process of turning something on doesn’t use any more energy than actually having it on.

To experience true energy savings, simply turn the lights, appliance, or device off.

• High-Efficiency AC Systems Instantly Save You Energy

Believe it or not, just because an AC system has a higher SEER rating than another one doesn’t mean it will save you more energy. And this has nothing to do with manufacturers misrepresenting data about the product.

Instead, your AC system must use the right “tonnage” for the size of your home. Not every HVAC professional knows this. So make sure you ask before you install your new AC. Expert HVAC pros will know exactly what you’re talking about and can explain the calculations necessary to get you the energy savings you expect from a new AC system.

So there you have it. 4 energy savings misnomers busted. Keep them in mind as you work to save more energy here in 2017.

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