Save on Energy - Saving Energy - Energy Savings - Stream Energy

Energy Saving Myths and Truths With the economy in the shape it’s in and the planet running short on resources, it is more important now than ever to save on energy in every way you can think of. Let’s look at some myths and truths to saving energy. Leaving on a computer or TV or light saves more energy than turning it off. This is a myth. It is much more energy conscious to turn off the electronics and lights than to leave them on. The rule of thumb is if they are not being used, turn them off.rnLeaving a ceiling fan on will cool down a room. This too is a myth. If you leave a ceiling fan on, all you are doing is moving around hot air. Turn it off when you are not in the room to save on energy. It takes less energy to cool a house down if the air conditioner has been off all day than to keep it running at a higher temperature while you are gone. This is true. Cooling a hot house down takes less energy than leaving the thermostat up high, even at 85 degrees for example. Your air conditioner saves more energy and runs more efficiently when it is running one long cycle than continually turning on and off. rnIf I turn my thermostat down low it will cool my home a lot faster. The truth is this doesn’t speed up the process in any way whatsoever. Plus if you forget to turn it back down you will be wasting lots of energy and money. If you have a thermostat that allows you to program it, set it so that the house cools down to a normal temperature before you get home. This will allow you to save on energy. If I buy a high-efficiency air conditioner I will save money on my energy bill. While not entirely false this is somewhat a myth. Before you replace your unit you should have an energy audit. Have your duct work checked, your windows checked and so forth. Remember, bigger is not always better. The best way to know the right size is the following equation: for every 500 square feet have one ton of refrigeration. And make sure the air handler and outside unit have the same tonnage. Duct tape is a great thing to use for a sealant. This is a myth. In attics and ceilings duct tape applied to duct work will dry out and fall off in a short matter of time. Mastic is your better choice. Otherwise, call a professional to come and repair the ducts for you. The air conditioning that leaks out my doors and windows is not the largest source of air leakage in my house. Thus if I replace my old windows I will not necessarily save money and energy. This is true. The largest source of air leakage comes from holes in your duct work and in the attic. Yes, about 15% of total energy leaks out of doors and windows but this is a small percentage compared to your attic and duct work. Replacing your older windows and placing sealant around your doors will certainly help in saving energy but not to the degree that repairing your duct work and attic holes will achieve.