SJG Conserve

It’s fall, y’all! The mornings are crisp, the leaves have started to change, and pumpkin spice is back! But October is also National Energy Awareness Month – a timely opportunity to break down some common misconceptions about energy. 

When it comes to energy efficiency, there’s a lot of information (and misinformation) out there. By debunking some of these energy myths, you’ll improve energy conservation at home and save a few dollars on your next utility bill.

Trick or Truth?

• Myth #1: It’s better to leave the lights on than to turn them on and off throughout the day. 
  Fact: Leaving the lights on when you don’t need them uses more energy than less.
• Myth #2: When you turn off appliances and electronic devices, they stop using energy. 
  Fact: Most appliances continue to use power after they've been turned off. 
• Myth #3: Running appliances at night is cheaper than during peak hours. 
  Fact: This can be true only if you belong to a specific off-peak program with your utility provider.
• Myth #4: Handwashing dishes saves energy compared to running the dishwasher. 
  Fact: Dishwashers use less hot water than handwashing and heat the water more quickly than handwashing.
• Myth #5: Opening the oven door while cooking doesn't waste energy.
  Fact: Opening the oven door can cause a 25-degree drop in temperature, according to Energy.gov, which releases heat and forces the oven to work harder to return to the set temperature.
• Myth #6: If you set the thermostat higher or lower, your house will heat up or cool down faster.
  Fact: Setting the thermostat higher or lower won't regulate the temperature any faster, but it does require your system to work harder, which uses more energy.
• Myth #7: Setting a shorter cycle on your appliances requires less energy.
  Fact: A quicker cycle versus a full cycle may save you time, but it doesn’t save energy, water, or money.
• Myth #8: You’ll save energy by closing vents in unused rooms throughout your home. 
  Fact: By doing so, you are increasing energy use by making your heating and  cooling system work harder.
• Myth #9: You’ll keep your home call cool by keeping ceiling fans on while you are away. < br/> Fact: The fan may keep you cooler when the room is occupied, but it won’t cool down the room much once it is unoccupied.
• Myth #10: It’s more cost-effective to use electric space heaters than running your home’s heating system.
  Fact: In addition to sparking several health and safety concerns, space heaters consume a great deal of energy which will result in a higher electric bill.