Myth or Fact? Common Energy Myths Busted

Imagine you’ve just brewed your morning coffee and hit the power button on the machine. The lights go off and it lookslike it’s done for the day. But inside, your machine is still awake and waiting for the next time you press “brew.” A commonly held belief is that turning appliances off stops them from using electricity. Unfortunately, that’s not true – even when switched “off,” it’s sipping electricity the whole time. And further, it could be driving your energy bill.

While it may not be readily noticed, standby power is a big issue. It accounts for five percent to ten percent of residential energy use, and could cost the average U.S. household as much as $100 per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Here are more common myths about electricity you might have heard, and how they might be impacting your energy usage:

Myth #1: Appliances and plug-in products only use power when running.

• Contrary to popular belief, appliances and other plug-in items still use power even when switched off. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a sure way to reduce your standby power load is to unplug your products when you aren’t using them.

Myth #2: You should get out of your car immediately if you wreck your car into a power pole or other electrical equipment.

• If you hit a power pole, pad-mounted transformer (“green box”), or other electrical equipment, DO NOT get out of your vehicle. It may be instinctive to flee your vehicle as soon as possible after a car accident. However, the safest place after this type of incident is inside your car.
• The pole may fall down, lines could fall on your car or nearby, and the area around your car may become charged with electric energy. If you step out of your vehicle, your body could become the path to the ground for electricity, and you could be electrocuted.
• Follow these steps, in order:
  • 1) Call 911 immediately.
  • 2) Wait inside your car for help to arrive.
  • 3) Follow directions of professionals and/or emergency personnel once they arrive.

Myth #3: Electrical lines and wires are only live if they are moving or making noise.

• Power lines do not always show signs that they are live, but they are just as lethal. While downed lines will sometimes show they are live by arcing and sparking with electricity, this is not always true.
• If you see a downed power line, stay far away. Remind children to never play or go near downed power lines or electrical equipment.

Myth #4: Premium-grade furnace filters will save energy.

• Some of the cheapest air filters actually tend to work better than costly ones. They are usually thinner, making them much easier on your HVAC system. Premium filters are thicker, and the thicker your filter is, the harder it is for air to pass through. That means your HVAC system is having to work that much harder!
• Consider buying a cheaper, thinner furnace filter, as they are more efficient for your HVAC system than higher-end, thicker ones.

Myth #5: Ceiling fans cool rooms.

• Fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect. They allow you to save energy by raising the thermostat, but they don't cool the air. Leaving them on in empty rooms wastes energy, so be sure to turn them off when you leave a room.

Sources:

Busted: Common Solar Myths and Misconceptions | Department of Energy

15 Electricity Myths & Misconceptions - You Need to Stop Believing These | Home Grail

common misconceptions about electricity - Search

Busted! 5 Common Home Energy Myths

3 Easy Tips to Reduce Your Standby Power Loads | Department of Energy