When it comes to lowering your utility bill, advice is everywhere, but not all of it is accurate. Some energy-saving tips are outdated or based on misunderstandings that can actually lead to higher costs. Knowing the difference between smart habits and energy myths can help your household make better decisions. Instead of guessing, it’s time to set the record straight with facts that reflect how homes really use power. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common energy-saving claims and explain which ones work, which ones don’t, and why.
Myth 1: Leaving the Lights On Uses Less Power Than Switching Them Off and On
This myth has been around for years, but it is not true for modern lighting. Turning lights off when you leave a room always saves energy. The only exception is if you’re using older fluorescent tubes, which most homes no longer have.
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LED and CFL bulbs are designed to be turned on and off frequently
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Keeping lights on all day uses far more electricity than flipping a switch
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Encourage household habits like “last one out turns it off”
Myth 2: Setting the Thermostat Higher Heats Your Home Faster
Many people believe that cranking the thermostat will heat the house faster, but this only makes your system work longer, not quicker. Furnaces and baseboard heaters operate at a constant rate, no matter the setting. This habit often leads to overheating and wasted energy.
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Set your thermostat to your ideal temperature and leave it
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Use programmable settings to manage heating around your schedule
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Layer up instead of heating the whole home more than needed
Myth 3: Appliances Don’t Use Power When They’re Off
Even when turned off, many appliances continue to draw power. This is known as phantom load or standby power. It’s one of the easiest ways for energy to slip away unnoticed.
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Unplug devices like TVs, gaming consoles, and printers when not in use
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Use power strips to shut down multiple electronics at once
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Smart plugs with timers can automate power-down overnight
Myth 4: It’s Better to Use Hot Water for Everything
Using hot water for laundry or washing dishes may feel like it gets things cleaner, but it often isn’t necessary. In fact, heating water is one of the biggest energy expenses in the average home. Cold or warm settings work well for most tasks and save both energy and money.
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Wash laundry in cold water for most fabrics
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Only run hot water when needed for cooking or disinfecting
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Lower your water heater setting to reduce overall usage
Myth 5: Space Heaters Save You Money
Space heaters may seem like a budget-friendly solution, but they often consume more energy than central systems. If used in multiple rooms or left on too long, they can drive your bill higher. Only use them in small spaces and for short periods of time.
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Choose models with timers or auto shut-off features
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Keep doors closed to trap heat in one area
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Turn them off when you leave the room
Myth 6: Ceiling Fans Cool a Room
Ceiling fans move air, but they do not lower the room’s temperature. The cooling effect is only felt when people are in the room. Leaving fans on in empty spaces simply adds to your electricity bill.
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Use fans to feel cooler, not to change the air temperature
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Turn fans off when leaving a room
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Reverse fan direction in winter to circulate warm air
Facts Beat Fiction Every Time
Understanding the truth behind these common energy myths helps you make smarter, more cost-effective choices at home. While some advice may sound helpful, only proven habits actually lead to long-term savings. The key is to combine behaviour with knowledge and make energy decisions based on facts, not assumptions. With the right habits in place, your family can save power without giving up comfort. Keep questioning what you hear, and stick to what works.