Setting the Record Straight: Energy-Saving Myths
Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings
Saving energy can be a real “myth-tery.” It’s hard to make sense of all the conflicting information and old wives’ tales, but energy efficiency doesn’t have to be so complicated. Still, there are tons of energy-saving myths making the rounds, usually focused on practices and assumptions that people continue to follow even though they have no basis in fact or science. Following are some of the more enduring energy-saving myths, as well as the truth about each one.
Top Energy Conservation Myths About Your HVAC System
Whatever type of cooling and heating system you have, it can have a major impact on your energy costs. But there’s a lot of misinformation and misconceptions floating around out there about how to control the amount of energy your furnace or air conditioner consumes. Here are some of the top HVAC myths we can dispel:
Myth: Heat Pumps are Always a Better and More Efficient Choice
If only it were so. Unless you live in a mild-winter climate, you’ll probably require supplemental heat with your air-source heat pump. Usually, heat pumps come with an electric coil that provides auxiliary heating when the temperature outside falls much below freezing. However, for added energy savings, consider a dual-fuel heat pump system in which supplemental heat is provided by a gas furnace.
Myth: A Bigger HVAC Unit is Always Better
In this case, bigger actually isn’t always better. In fact, it can be much worse, depending on the size of your home and how it’s insulated. Overall, a mis-sized HVAC system is a sure way to waste energy, money, and efficiency. A furnace that is too big or too small will have to work harder to keep your home at the right temperature. A too-large unit is prone to short cycling, so it will consume more energy and run more frequently.
Myth: Shutting Down the System When You’re Gone Saves Money
It makes sense. You’re leaving on a two-week vacation (lucky you), and you’re certain that shutting off your HVAC system will lower your energy bill — a welcome relief after a pricey trip. Unfortunately, while you might save a few bucks during the downtime, you’re likely to make up the difference (and then some) by running the system hard to catch up once you’ve returned. Instead of shutting off your air conditioning or heat while you’re away, program it to run at a moderate temperature: a little higher in the summer, and lower in the winter. Also, never shut off your heat when you’re away from home in the winter, as that is almost asking for your pipes to freeze.
Myth: HVAC Maintenance Only Needs to Happen Once a Year
Yes, an annual tuneup is a must, but the mistake is thinking that’s the only time you need to check in on your units. You should be prioritizing routine maintenance for your entire HVAC system, including changing out your air filter every 1-3 months. It’s also wise to visually inspect your HVAC equipment every month or so, to check for any leaks, cracks, or noticeable issues.
H2: Energy Saving Myths in Your Home
While working to make your HVAC system more efficient is a no-brainer when it comes to saving on utility bills, you can also squeeze out some extra savings simply by changing a few of your habits around the house. Beware, though — not everything you hear is true.
Myth: You Can Save More Energy by Leaving the Lights On
There’s a persistent rumor that leaving lights and ceiling fans on when you aren’t in the room saves more energy than turning them on as needed. However, with modern technology, there’s no reason a light, fan, appliance, or electronic device should be left on if you’re not using it. Switch everything off when you leave the room or leave the house. For extra savings, make sure to swap out your light bulbs from incandescent bulbs to LEDs.
Myth: Closing Off Unused Rooms Will Save Energy
Have you been told to close off unused rooms to save energy in a home with central heating and cooling? Before you pull out the plastic sheeting, let’s uncover the truth. While it may be OK to do this with one bedroom, avoid closing off larger areas or multiple rooms. Your HVAC system has been designed to heat and cool your entire house. If the area that’s being heated or cooled is reduced, your system probably will short cycle, wasting energy and stressing equipment, while providing uneven heating or cooling.
Myth: Shutting the Vents in Unoccupied Rooms Will Save Money
Your whole-house HVAC or central heating system was designed to control the temperature of your entire space. Similar to closing off your unused rooms, shutting vents in the hopes of reducing your energy consumption isn’t a reliable way to save. All your vents and ducts do is direct the heated or cooled air throughout your home. Shutting them off won’t make the HVAC system work any less, and, as mentioned above, it could lead to short cycling.
Myth: Keeping Appliances and Electronics in Sleep Mode Will Save Energy
This is more of a half-truth. Yes, keeping devices in sleep mode can reduce the amount of energy they consume. However, any appliance or device that is plugged in is always drawing power, so simply putting them into sleep mode or using standby power isn’t enough to make a noticeable difference. Unplugging is always your best option for conserving energy and saving on your electricity bill.
Myth: Handwashing Dishes will Save Money
You’re in luck if you hate those dishpan hands. Put down the sponges and stop scrubbing, because as long as you have a relatively modern dishwasher, you won’t save any money by handwashing. In fact, if you’re washing with hot water, handwashing your dishes will actually use more energy in the long run. Instead, use your dishwasher’s energy-saving setting and give your hands a break.
Seasonal Energy Conservation Myths
If you live in a climate with extreme temperature fluctuations through the winter and summer months, you’ve probably looked at all the ancient wisdom for saving money when demand is at its highest. Sadly, a lot of what you’ve tried might be ineffective. Here are the big seasonal savings myths:
Myth: It’s Best to Keep Your Thermostat at a Steady Temperature
The myth being perpetuated here is that you’ll save more energy by leaving the temperature at a steady comfort level than by turning the temperature up and down to accommodate your schedule. The truth is, if you’re going to be absent for several hours during the day, setting the temperature back just a couple of degrees (higher in the summer, lower in the winter) for that time will save ample energy and money if done consistently. This is why programmable thermostats are in such demand – they do the work of adjusting energy-saving temperatures for you. Large temperature swings can defeat the purpose, causing your system to work harder to recover, therefore, using up all of the energy savings.
Myth: Space Heaters are Cheaper to Operate than Your Furnace
If your heat pump or furnace is struggling to keep up with frigid temperatures, a space heater can act as a support system to keep your home more comfortable. However, the idea that heating your home, or a part of your home, with just a space heater is more energy efficient is far from the truth. Trying to warm more than a very small area with a standalone electric heater alone could end up costing you more, as it would run continuously and still struggle to maintain the temperature.
Myth: Setting Your Thermostat to a Lower Temperature will Cool Your Home Faster
Unfortunately, this isn’t how HVAC systems or thermostats work. Maintaining steady temperatures slightly higher in summer and lower in the winter can bring down your energy bills, but cranking up the AC after you come home on a hot day won’t help it cool any faster. In reality, the AC will take as long as it takes to cool your home, but drastically dropping the temperature will only make it work harder and run longer, putting unnecessary strain on your system.
Fact: You Can Use Less Energy and Save on Your Utility Bills with Help from Airtron
These energy efficiency myths are hereby busted. Airtron has you covered. We can drop some truth on how you can really save, whether that’s making your next HVAC system an Energy Star-rated system, adding energy-efficient upgrades, or implementing a preventative maintenance schedule to stay on top of potential issues before they turn into major problems. To get started, check out our Essential HomeCare packages and find what’s right for you. We’ll make sure you never feel “myth-erable” in your home!
