5 Common Energy Myths Debunked

Many falsely believe that duct tape is intended to seal air ducts. Others mistakenly think that all florescent light bulbs buzz and emit an unsightly orange color. Undoubtedly, there are countless wife's tales about energy and we are going to expose 5 common energy myths now.

Myth 1: Appliances use no energy when turned off.
In reality, many appliances continue to consume electricity after being turned off. A surprising number of electrical products from DVD players to air conditioners cannot be switched completely off without unplugging the devise or turning it off at the power strip. Products that draw power 24 hours a day, often without the knowledge of the consumer, are called "energy vampires." This type of "stand-by power" can quickly add up, so be conscious of the appliances in your home or building and consider investing in smart power strips.

Myth 2: The higher the thermostat is set, the faster the building will warm up.
The bigger the fire, the faster the temperature will rise, however the philosophy does not translate to HVAC systems. It will take the same amount of time for the temperature to reach 70 degrees whether the thermostat is set at 70 or 90 degrees. Whatever the goal temperature is, the furnace or boiler will work equally as hard and fast to meet its aim. The only difference is that the mechanical equipment will work for a longer period of time to reach a higher temperature, thereby consuming more energy and increasing heating costs. The same is true for air conditioning. Setting the thermostat to 50 to 70 degrees will not cool the building any quicker.

Myth 3: Leaving a light on uses less energy than turning it off and on several times.
Although turning a light bulb on draws a higher level of current, the fraction of a second worth of additional consumption is negligible compared to the normal current required to power the lamp. Therefore, leaving lights on for any longer than a few seconds uses more energy than turning them off and back on as needed. Likewise, leaving a heater or air conditioner on uses more energy than turning it off and on as necessary. The theory even translates to vehicles as letting a car run for more than a minute, burns more gas than turning the ignition on and off.

Myth 4: Compact fluorescent light bulbs will save the planet.
Compared with incandescent bulbs, CFLs are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times as long. However, CFLs are not the answer to all lighting situations and will not single-handedly reduce energy consumption on an earth changing scale. CFLs are not the best choice for all situations because fluorescent bulbs are difficult to dim, operate poorly in cold temperatures and contain Mercury. Nonetheless, fluorescent lighting is ideal for boiler rooms and stairwells that must be kept illuminated at all times. Along with light emitting diode (LED) and high intensity discharge lighting, CFL technologies are constantly evolving to reach higher levels of efficiency and sustainability.

Myth 5: Reducing energy expenses costs a lot upfront.
In many cases, reducing energy consumption/costs comes with a large initial cost. For example, it can be costly to erect a wind turbine or install a new boiler. However, there are countless ways to lower energy expenses without spending a lot upfront including sealing air leaks, using motion sensors on indoor and outdoor lighting, pre-setting the building's thermostat, replacing air filters, installing low flow fixtures onto shower heads and faucets and adding insulation to the attic or wall spaces. These are just a few examples of the low hanging fruit that can minimize energy expenses without costing a pretty penny.