Breaking the myths can save you money on your energy bill in 2010.
Myth 1: Leaving lights and computers on uses less energy and makes them last longer.
Myth buster: The small surge of power created when some devices are turned on is vastly smaller than the energy used by running the device when it's not needed. While it used to be the case that cycling appliances and lighting on and off drastically reduced their useful lifetimes, these problems have been largely overcome through better design. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network.
Myth 2: Screen savers save energy when your computer is not in use.
Myth buster: Automatic switching to sleep mode or manually turning monitors off is always the better energy-saving strategy. U.S. Department of Energy
Myth 3: Electric room heaters are better than heating the whole house.
Myth buster: The truth is these are major energy suckers. It is impractical and expensive to have a space heater running for a long period of time. If the room where it is used is super insulated and is really the only room being used for a long time, then it might make sense. But for most of us, space heater efficiency is a big myth. Planet Green
Myth 4: Power strips only save time shutting off appliances and electronics
Myth buster: Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These "phantom" loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. These phantom loads can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance. U.S. Department of Energy
Myth 5: Switching to florescent bulbs takes too long to recoup your investment.
Myth buster: Energy Star qualified compact florescent bulbs use 75% less energy, produce 75% less heat and last 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. They will save you about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb's lifetime. U.S. Department of Energy
Myth 6: The Energy Star tag on an appliance means a higher price tag.
Myth buster: Appliances account for about 17% of your household's energy consumption, with refrigerators, clothes washers, and clothes dryers at the top of the consumption list.
When you're shopping for appliances, think of two price tags. The first one covers the purchase price-think of it as a down payment. The second price tag is the cost of operating the appliance during its lifetime. You'll be paying on that second price tag every month with your utility bill for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on the appliance. Refrigerators last an average of 14 years; clothes washers about 11 years; dishwashers about 10 years; and room air conditioners last 9 years. Some Energy Star qualified products offer a tax credit.
Myth 7: Taking shorter showers is the only way to conserve water in the shower.
Myth buster: Installing faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads will cut water heating costs by 50% and save up to $300 per year. It will also cut water use by up to 50%. Flex Your Power
Myth 8: Water heaters need to be set at temperatures above 120 degrees for the greatest replacement efficiency.
Myth buster: Lower the thermostat on your water heater; water heaters sometimes come from the factory with high temperature settings, but a setting of 120°F provides comfortable hot water for most uses. Insulate your hot-water storage tank, but be careful not to cover the thermostat or burner on a gas model. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. U.S. Department of Energy
Myth 9: Fireplaces are the source of the greatest air leakage in a residential setting.
Myth buster: Fireplaces are typically a source of approximately 14% of air leaks. Floors, walls and ceilings can account for approximately 31% of air leaks. To uncover sources of air loss in your home, have it tested for air leaks.Warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home during the winter can waste a lot of your energy dollars. One of the quickest dollar-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside. You can save on your heating and cooling bill by reducing the air leaks in your home. U.S. Department of Energy
While it is too late to take advantage of home energy tax credits on your 2009 tax return, a plan proposed by President Barak Obama in mid-December for a 2010 extension of tax credits for energy efficient home and business upgrades, offers hope for this new year. The proposed plan was based on a study titled, Recovery Through Retrofit
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For more information:
http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/myths.html
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/home_office.html
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/retrofit
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/
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