5 Energy Efficiency Myths, Busted

There are many tips and tricks for saving energy and money at home, but are all of them actually helpful? We are busting some common myths about home energy use below.

When appliances are off, they aren’t using energy.

False! Electronics that are plugged in but turned off can still use electricity. The average home spends $100 a year powering devices that are “off.” Unplug your computer, cell phone charger, and small appliances when not in use. You can also use an advanced power strip to completely disconnect the power supply. 

Ceiling fans are only useful in the summer.  

Nope! Heat rises. In the winter, your ceiling fan can help push that warm air back down to keep you cozy. Just make sure it’s spinning clockwise, which sucks the cool air upwards and pushes warm air down.

Lowering the thermostat when you’re away from home will save energy.

It depends! This is true for some HVAC systems, but not all. Boilers and furnaces can handle large temperature swings. But heat pumps, which are becoming more common, are actually more efficient when they’re constantly running. Setting back your thermostat while you’re away could accidentally trigger your backup heating system, which is the most expensive way to heat your home. If you have a heat pump, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and don’t worry about turning it down when you leave.

Washing dishes by hand is more efficient than using a dishwasher.

Thankfully, no! If you’re washing dishes by hand, you’re wasting more than just time. ENERGY STAR dishwashers use half as much energy as washing by hand. They also save nearly 5,000 gallons of water per year for the average household. That translates to more than $40 in annual savings on your utility bill. 

Whole-home devices can help save energy.

Busted! If you come across a plug-in device that promises to reduce whole-home energy use, it’s probably a sham. There are no magic devices to reduce your entire home’s electricity usage. The largest energy user in your home is generally your HVAC system, not any of the devices you plug into your wall outlets. To better manage your HVAC energy usage, consider installing a smart thermostat.

Are you looking for energy-saving tips that will actually pay off? Efficiency Smart is here to help. Check out our Electric Bill Advice program for personalized tips or call our customer support team at 877-889-3777.