February 21st, 2019 by Allie Bennett, Marketing and Communication Manager
Are you interested in saving energy to lower your electric bill, but confused about new technology and information available to help you do so? It is sometimes hard to make decisions regarding energy efficiency with so much information available online and in stores. At MEC, we are here to help you separate fact from fiction by cracking down on some common energy myths. Read the myth below, then read on to find out the truth about these common misconceptions.
Myth: It takes less energy to have my thermostat maintain a comfortable temperature while I am away than it does to have it heat up or cool down my house when I get home.
Reality: If you are going to be gone for more than a few hours, then it is more cost-effective to adjust your heating down to a cooler temperature or adjust your air conditioning to a warmer temperature while you are out.
Myth: I can save money simply by installing a programmable thermostat.
Reality: On their own, programmable thermostats do not make your heating or cooling system more efficient. Their money-saving value lies in their ability to automatically regulate the temperature inside your house to coincide with your family’s activities. For that to happen, you first must program it. If you need help programming your thermostat, check the manufacturer’s website.
Myth: When I turn off electronics (like my TV, game console or computer), they stop drawing power from the outlet.
Reality: Even when turned off, most electronics consume electricity while they are still plugged in. Chargers for mobile devices (such as cellphones) also consume electricity when plugged in, even when they are not actively charging the device. This wasted energy, called “phantom load,” can account for as much as 10 percent of a home’s total electric use.
Myth: It is not worth my time or money to seal small air leaks around windows and doors, or to make sure my home is adequately insulated.
Reality: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air leaks around cracks and gaps throughout your home equate to leaving a window open all year long. Typical homeowners could save up to 10 percent on their total annual energy spending by sealing and insulating their home.