Many of us grew up believing certain strategies are beneficial for conserving energy, only to discover they might actually be counterproductive. Let's unravel some of these myths and shed light on a few popular energy-saving practices.
Myth 1: Closing vents in empty rooms saves energy.
Truth: In theory, closing vents in rooms you don't often use makes sense. However, this can cause HVAC duct leaks and pressure buildup. The strain on the system can result in higher energy consumption.
Myth 2: Plugged-in electronics don't use energy when they're turned off.
Truth: If your toaster, stand mixer or phone charger are plugged in, they continue to draw power even when you're not actively using them. This phantom energy use adds up over time.
Myth 3: A spinning ceiling fan cools a room.
Truth: Ceiling fans don't lower room temperature. Instead, they circulate air, and when that moving air makes contact with skin, we feel cooler. If a room is unoccupied, leaving a fan running is a waste of energy.