In an effort to do your part for the environment or to save money or even both, many people are doing what they can to conserve power. Being more aware of power consumption, switching to more energy efficient products, appliances, and devices, and other such adjustments has its advantages in a variety of ways. However, like so many aspects of life, there are many myths floating around people apply as facts concerning energy conservation that we at Simon Electric, LLC would like to set the record straight as you reach your energy saving goals.
Energy Efficiency Myths
Myth: Turned off electronic devices do not draw any energy.
Even when the device is powered off, the power plug attached to the electronic device continues to draw in energy. Unplug or utilize a power stick that can be switched off when they are not in use to make sure they are not using any energy.
Myth: Set the thermostat on extreme settings to expedite heating or cooling a building to save energy costs.
The temperatures in your home will not rapidly adjust by setting the thermostat way up or down. In fact all you are doing is putting an unnecessary strain on your HVAC system and appliances that will eventually cause expensive repairs and waste energy.
Myth: Leaving the A/C set 85 degrees after leaving for the day costs less than turning it off when trying to cool it back down when someone is home.
It actually costs less to cool your home when the A/C is left off for the day as opposed to leaving run on warmer temperatures. However, while you wait for the cooling process cooling the home down from 85 degrees instead of 98 degrees might feel more comfortable. If you are trying to conserve energy and cut down on operating cost, program your thermostat to shut off while you are away and switch on to start cooling your home down about 2 hours before are due home to avoid the discomfort of a warm home.
Myth: When comparing otherwise identical electronic devices, the one with 240v uses more energy than the one equipped with 120v.
Both devices use the same energy because they are designed with identical wattage and energy companies bill for watt hours, not volts.
Myth: Leaving most electrical devices on uses less energy because the surge to power it on from the off position uses way more.
An untrue notion, though computers and similar devices, for example, do have surge with an initial startup, however, the measurement required is minimal that the energy consumption is unaffected. The comparison for when the computer is turned on from being powered down is pennies as opposed to the dollars that accumulate for leaving it on continuously.
Myth: Turning a light off and on uses more power than just leaving it on.
Keep the lights off when not in use to save power. There is no power surge when the lights are not switched on from being off nor does the power usage and cost rise simply by turning lights off and on.
Myth: Power usage or cost is not affected by poor wiring.
Much like a leaky faucet, you pay for the wasted water that leaks and is not used for anything specific. Same is said for the electricity when it leaks from faulty wiring; it is wasted and will reflect on your power bill.
Electrical Wiring Services in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
There are many things you can do that helps shave power use and cost. Examples include, ceiling fans, LED lights, motion sensor lighting, and so on. Call Simon Electric, LLC to talk to a specialist for more ideas to help you save energy.
