There are several things which when implemented at homes could result in saving enormous amounts of energy. To separate fact from fiction, we are debunking 5 home energy myths that are followed everywhere to this day.
1. Energy can actually be saved if lights are left “ON”
This idea has been doing the round since ages, as the older fluorescent lighting systems responded badly to the daily wear and tear. Also, it required a lot of energy to get going, thus making it completely sensible in keeping the lights on even when the occupant leaves the room. But now-a-days, with the coming-of-age technology, the energy required in turning on a light is almost negligible, thereby asking one to switch-off the lights every time they leave a room.
2. Adjusting thermostat won’t be saving money
The traditional idea is that if one turns down the heat at night, the cost of reheating the home next morning will be cancelling out the energy one saved at night. But because of fluorescent lighting, the initial energy burst is too small when compared with the one it takes in running a furnace overnight.
3. Energy is not used by appliances when they are turned off
The popular notion is that switching off appliances will be helping in to conserve home energy, but the truth is that a number of everyday devices will continue in sucking up energy even when they are EVEN turned off. LED lighting, wireless sensors, AC/DC adapters and clocks continue their operation even when they are not being used by computer, cell-phone charger or TV. So, the best thing is to unplug every time when one is done with in using a particular appliance or better still, can purchase a power-strip which will be cutting off the electricity automatically when the devices are not in use.
4. Houses need to breathe
Air pollution has always been a major health concern and controlling indoor air pollution being a daunting task, EPA estimates concentrations of pollutants such as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) can be almost 10 times higher within the closed doors than outside. Many people are afraid in sealing up their homes too tightly as they have long been nurturing the idea that it will result in the creation of pollutants at high levels. It might seem to be a good idea in letting the home breathe, but too much reliance on air conditioning or heating can lead one in wasting a lot of electricity. Indoor pollution can be prevented by using ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms that help in freshening up the rooms and reducing humidity in the process. VOC levels can also be lowered if one switches to green building materials and cleaners.
5. High efficiency features are too expensive
There are a number of easy ways in which one can bring down their electricity bills. The easiest way is to change old habits – dialling back the water heater and thermostat, unplugging appliances, and laundry done in cold water are few examples. One can also install window sealants, ceiling fans and programmable thermostats. Also, features such as Energy Star appliances, updated insulation and solar water heaters might be costing too much initially, but they will pay back in the long run. Adopting all these alternatives can lead one in busting the popular home energy myths easily.
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