There are many energy efficiency myths that people believe to be true. Unfortunately, these misguided beliefs are costing the average consumer a lot of money in high utility bills. Below are some simple truths about energy efficiency to bust the myths.
Myth 1: More Energy is Consumed When Lights are Switched on and off Several Times than when They are Left on
The truth is that energy is used to power light bulbs to produce light, so they do not consume anything when they are switched off. Turning the lights back on simply completes the circuit needed to turn on the light. As far as incandescent, LED and other types of modern light bulbs are concerned, the statement is simply a myth. However, fluorescent lighting tubes usually take a couple of minutes to turn on, so they may consume more energy to turn back on. Therefore, it may make sense to leave them on throughout.
Myth 2: An Electric Space Heater can Help Save you Money
In some countries, this can be true because other heating fuels like natural gas, propane gas and heating oil are much more expensive compared to electricity costs. In the United States, however, natural gas is much cheaper, so this statement is a myth as far as the United States is concerned. It may also be true in some unique cases. For instance, if you intend to spend the night in a single room inside a large building with a centralized heating system, it would be more economical for you to run an electric space heater to heat up a room as opposed to turning on the entire central heating system.
Myth 3: I have to Purchase New Equipment to Reduce my Energy Bill
It is true that new HVAC systems are much more energy efficient than old heating and cooling systems. However, you do not need to spend a lot of money to reduce your energy bills. All you need to do is service the HVAC system on a regular basis and replace air filters every now and then. Cleaning major components in the heating and cooling system can also help cut costs.
Our HVAC professionals can give you advice and help you improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Follow us for more great articles on heating, air conditioning and home needs.
