Energy myths—Don’t be fooled by them

When you are trying to save money by being an informed consumer you may not always get the right information.  Friends, the media, and the Internet all have a lot of advice and information available, but not all of this free advice is in our best interest.  Here are a few of the misconceptions that exist that we are aware of.

• The higher or lower you set your thermostat the faster your home will warm up or cool down.  For example, it takes the same amount of time for your home to reach 70 degrees, whether you set your thermostat on 70 or 90.  Setting the thermostat higher or lower than your intended temperature will waste more energy and increase your costs.
• Fluorescent lighting has buzzing sounds, flickering and give a blue cast to the light.  This may have been true in the past but the new fluorescent bulbs have improved.  The color is better balanced and the annoying noise and flickering have been eliminated.  They also last longer and use less electricity than incandescent bulbs.  Try a compact fluorescent bulb and see the improvements.
• Leaving lights, computers and other appliances on will use less electricity than turning them all off.  The electricity needed to start most appliances is much smaller than the energy needed to keep them running when not needed.
• Your second refrigerator doesn’t use much electricity.  Since this unit is probably 15 years old or older, and not as efficient as today’s models, the cost of operating a second one can cost $100-$150 per year or more.  You will need to decide if you use this second refrigerator enough to justify what it costs you.
• Halogen lighting is very efficient.  Halogen lights do use slightly less electricity than standard incandescent bulbs, but they require transformers that do use extra energy.  A compact fluorescent bulb is nearly three times as efficient to operate and is not the fire hazard that halogen lights can be.
• Installing foam gaskets in electrical outlets and switches will significantly reduce air leakage.  The Department of Energy has estimated that the floors, walls and ceilings in your home account for of 31% of the air infiltration.  The electrical outlets and switches only account for two percent.  Don’t expect savings of more than a few cents if you install them.