Debunking Common Myths About Saving Energy

When you’re trying to save on your power bill, being informed is key. With all the misinformation about how best to reduce your energy consumption, it can be difficult to sort through the facts and the fiction. Here are some of the most common myths about saving energy and the truth behind them:

Myth #1: Leaving Lights On Uses Less Energy Than Switching Them Off

Perhaps one of the most common myths about energy usage is the notion that turning lights on and off causes large power surges that result in an increase in total energy consumption. While there may be a small surge when you first switch the light on, that surge is negligible in comparison to the amount of energy the light uses when it’s left on for extended periods. It’s always better to turn the lights off in rooms you’re not in.

Myth #2: Keeping Your Thermostat at the Same Setting Saves Energy

Similar to the myth above, this one assumes that the amount of energy it takes to change the thermostat setting is great in comparison to keeping the AC running at the same temperature consistently. Again, untrue. The Department of Energy recommends you adjust the thermostat a few degrees when you leave the house or when you go to bed for optimum energy savings. In fact, they suggest that the average household can save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling costs by doing so.

Myth #3: Devices Don’t Consume Energy if They’re Off

While it’s good practice to power down unused devices, it’s a common misconception that just because a device is off, it’s not consuming energy. Devices that are off or in standby mode can still draw electricity if left plugged into a power source. This is called standby or vampire energy. To reduce the standby energy in your home, always unplug unused devices or use smart power strips that cut off the power supply after a certain period of inactivity.

Myth #4 Keeping Fans on Cools Rooms

While people who believe this myth are on the right track with trying to save by not cranking their thermostat down, this line of thinking could counteract their efforts. Fans don’t cool rooms. Fans actually cool the people in the room by circulating the air and creating a draft. So, it’s less energy efficient to leave the fans on in a room that no one is using in an effort to keep the room cool. Instead, enjoy the fan while you’re in the room and turn it off when you leave.

Myth #5: Being Energy-Efficient Means You Have to Buy New Technology

The reason many people don’t try to be more energy efficient is that they believe they have to upgrade all of their home’s appliances and technology to do so. While upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and installing smart home technology helps save energy, it’s certainly not the only way. You don’t have to spend a bunch of upfront money in order to keep your energy consumption under control. All you have to do is practice mindful energy habits, like turning the lights off when you leave the room and unplugging unused devices.

Knowing the truth behind these myths will help you make more informed decisions about your energy consumption. If you want to save even more on your electric bill, get started on a prepaid power plan from Texas power company, Pronto Power!