7 Energy Saving Myths You’ve Been Following (And What To Do Instead)

As energy costs have risen in recent years, many energy saving myths have sprung up that supposedly help you conserve. Some, however, are simply false, and others have good intentions, but in reality, can cost you more, particularly with your heating and cooling system.

• Closing off a room saves energy. While it would seem this is true, in reality, it can damage your HVAC system and the ductwork. The increased air pressure inside the ducts can cause the seals to weaken, and when they start to leak air, you’re losing that air you’ve paid to condition.
• Turning the heat up high or the air conditioner down low will warm or cool a home faster. Your HVAC system won’t condition your home any faster regardless of the thermostat’s settings.
• Electric space heaters save money. This is one of the more common energy saving myths. Electric heaters are the most expensive way to warm a space. If you have a room that’s too cold or seldom used, it’s better to install a zoning system in your home that uses dampers to open and close the registers based on the thermostat for any particular zone.
• Leaving the thermostat at the same setting saves money. It costs more to keep your home at the same temperature 24/7. Programmable thermostats will adjust the temperature settings, so you’re not using as much energy when you’re away or sleeping.
• Turning lights off when you leave a room saves energy. It will, but if you’re coming back in a few minutes, you may shorten the life of the bulb, particularly the CFL type, which could cost you more in the long run.
• Appliances stop using electricity when they’re turned off. Anything with a timer or comes on instantly is probably using standby power.
• Putting the computer into the sleep mode saves power. It does save some, but the computer and monitor continue to draw power even while asleep.

To learn more about energy saving myths and your HVAC equipment, contact the pros at Sobieski Services, providing HVAC services for homeowners in Wilmington and the surrounding area since 1987.

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