Five energy-savings myths

December 26, 2011 by  

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(Photo: Getty Images)

What you didn’t know about energy efficiency could hurt your pocketbook.

 

Myth #1: Closing the Vent Saves Energy

Though it seems that closing vents in unused rooms would save energy,
the energy consumed by the system is at the unit itself, and
restricting conditioned air at a vent
termination redirects it to other locations in the house or through
leaks in your duct system. Closing vents also puts backpressure on the
fan that pushes the air through the system, causing it to work harder,
use more energy, and wear out faster.

 

Myth #2: New Windows = Significant Energy Cost Savings

Replacing single-pane windows for Energy-Star rated dual-pane windows
will save energy. That energy savings, however, is a function of the
size and number of windows in your home,
their orientation and overhangs, and the location of your house and the
climate zone you are live in. This typically amounts to a small fraction
of your total energy use, and given the expense of replacing windows,
there are typically much more cost-effective ways to reduce your energy
bills. 

 

Myth #3: Setting Thermostat Higher Heats a Home Faster

A furnace will provide heat at its max power (or a fraction of max
power for multi-stage units) when it is first turned on. So, setting the
temperature higher will have little effect
in how quickly a home heats.  Setting the thermostat higher does have
the potential to increase the run-time of the heating system, using more
energy and potentially making your home uncomfortably hot.

 

Myth #4: Using an Electric Space Heater Saves Money

Given that electricity is typically between four and 10 times the
cost of natural gas, running just two electric space heaters can cost
the equivalent of heating an entire home with a gas-powered system.

 

Myth #5: Leaving a Light on Uses Less Energy Than Turning It Off, Then on Again

Some people actually believe that if leaving the light on when
they leave the room for a few minutes to take a restroom break, for
example, is better than turning it off and
then on again when they return. There is no significant additional power
draw when turning on a light bulb (other than the calories you use by
flipping the switch). So, turn off the lights each time you leave a
room, even if for just a couple of minutes.

 

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