There’s a lot of information out there about energy. So much information it can be hard to wade through it all to figure out what’s fact and what’s fiction. Today we’re helping you make sense of all the energy saving tips you’ve likely heard at one point or the other. By the end of this quick read you’ll have a much better idea of what energy saving tips will lower your utility bill and which ones are a complete waste of time that could increase energy use.
It’s Cheaper to Use Energy at Night
Fact or Fiction – Fact and Fiction
This one could be fact or fiction depending on your energy plan. If you have what’s known as a time-of-use plan it could be cheaper to use energy at night since the kWh rate varies depending on the hour of day. Generally, these energy plans offer the lowest rates (or even no cost energy) late at night. Using energy after 10pm should be less than using it during the peak demand hours in the middle of the day.
But if you have a regular energy plan that charges the same rate no matter what time it is, then it won’t be any cheaper to use energy at night.
Using the Dishwasher is More Efficient Than Washing by Hand
Fact or Fiction – Fact
Many people mistakenly think that loading up the dishwasher will use more water and energy compared to washing dishes by hand. In reality, you’d end up using more hot water while handwashing. If you have an ENERGY STAR rated dishwasher you’ll conserve even more energy. Just make sure the dishwasher is loaded up to see the energy savings.
Using Fans Will Help Lower the Temperature in a Home
Fact or Fiction – Fiction
Using fans can help you keep the thermostat set a few degrees higher because the wind chill effect will make it feel cooler indoors, but it won’t actually lower the temperature of the air inside a home. In fact, you should turn fans off when no one is in a room because it’s actually a waste of energy if you can’t feel the wind chill effect.
Setting the Temperature Higher/Lower Will Heat/Cool a Home Faster
Fact or Fiction – Fiction
This “tip” can actually cause you to use more energy, not less. HVAC systems warm and heat homes at a constant rate. So cranking the temperature up or down isn’t going to heat or cool a home faster. But it can cause you to overheat or overcool your home.
Using a Heating System is More Efficient Than Using Space Heaters
Fact or Fiction – Fact
This is actually true. Electric space heaters are actually energy hogs. You’re better off using a whole house heating system instead of using space heaters because the heating is limited and the energy use is high.
It’s More Efficient to Heat Your Home With a Fireplace
Fact or Fiction – Fiction
There are two issues that cause this “tip” to be complete fiction. For one, a fireplace only heats the immediate area around it. So if you’re sitting by the fire it will be nice and cozy. A fireplace can also make a small room warmer if you keep the doors closed. However, the other areas of the home would be very chilly and uncomfortable.
The other issue is the damper, which needs to be open when the fireplace is in use. Opening the damper allows cold air from outdoors to find its way into your home. And if you forget to close the damper after using the fireplace a lot of heated air can escape.
Using Curtains or Blinds Can Help
Fact or Fiction – Fact
Even though there’s more heat loss through the walls, you can reduce energy use by as much as 17% by opening and closing the curtains or blinds at the right time. Keeping the curtains or blinds closed can help prevent heat transfer in the summer and heat loss in the winter so the thermostat can be kept at a better temperature.
Want more energy saving tips that actually work? Major Energy is invested in helping consumers maximize the efficiency of their homes while providing fixed-rate energy plans. See which Major Energy plans are available in your area.