Cutting down on energy use is something that everyone wants to do throughout the year to lower the expense that electricity and heating and cooling systems add to the household budget. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to cutting down on the use of these utilities. Here are the most common myths regarding utility use along with the truth behind them:
Myth: Leaving the air conditioning on all day expends less energy than turning the system off and on.
This myth comes from the belief that it takes more to cool down a hot home than it does to keep a home cool throughout the day. The savings associated with leaving the air conditioning off for the eight or more hours that a person is away at work during the day is greater than any savings related to keeping a home consistently cool. The same rules apply to heating a home.
Myth: There is no electricity expended when appliances are switched off.
Any appliance that is plugged in will still draw a small amount of electricity. The fact that many households have over a dozen appliances that are plugged in at any given time means that the cost of wasted electricity can add up. It is recommended that people unplug any appliance that they do not intend to immediately use. A more convenient way to ensure that appliances are not drawing power is to use a power strip that can be easily switched off.
Myth: Space heaters are better than heating a whole home.
Space heaters are fine for adding some extra warmth to an area of a home that would not usually warm up. However, this is a temporary fix that should never be used for long periods of time. Space heaters use a very high amount of electricity and tend to be a waste of power. Reserve these small, portable heaters for unique situations, and never leave a space heater on overnight or any time that people are not in the room to prevent fire risks.
Myth: Closing vents in unused rooms will cut down on heating and cooling costs.
It seems logical that reducing the need for temperature regulation will reduce the costs of heating and cooling, but closing the vent does not actually lessen the energy used by the system. The regulated air is diverted to another room. Closing the vent could actually put a strain on the system by placing pressure on components of the system when air is forced elsewhere.
A Smart Way To Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs
Understanding the myths and truths related to lowering the use of electricity and heating and cooling systems is the first step to saving money. One of the best ways to reduce the cost of keeping a home comfortable is by consulting a professional HVAC company.
Merrell & Associates has been providing HVAC services to people in Carrollton, Georgia and the surrounding areas for more than 60 years. Experienced technicians are able to evaluate the needs of each customer and come up with affordable solutions that will make a heating and cooling system run more efficiently for lower utility costs. Contact Merrell & Associates today to schedule an appointment.