Has anyone ever told you that powering on electronics in the morning costs more energy than leaving them on all night? Well, have we got news for you.
Business energy-saving myths have been floating around for years, and many of them are not even close to true. Some of them can actually end up costing you more money in the long run. So let’s explore five of the big energy-saving myths that could be causing you to sink even more money down the drain on your power bill each month.
Myth #1: Leaving electronics on saves energy.
It's a common misconception that leaving electronics on saves more energy than turning them off and on again, due to the small burst of energy required to power them up. While it’s true that there is a slight spike in energy use when you power up an electronic device, this burst is momentary and insignificant compared to the continuous energy draw when the device is left on. Turning off electronics when they are not in use can result in significant energy savings over time, both reducing your electricity bill and the overall wear and tear on the devices.
Consider lighting for example. The general rule of thumb is that if you’re going to be out of the room for more than 15 minutes, you should turn CFL (that’s compact fluorescent) lights off. But modern lighting, especially LED bulbs, are designed to handle frequent switching with minimal impact on their lifespan or energy efficiency. That’s even more reason to flip them off when you leave the room!
Myth #2: Sleeping or turning off electronics reduces energy use.
Many people believe that when they put their electronics to sleep or turn them off, these devices stop using energy. However, most electronics continue to draw power in standby mode—including devices like computers, televisions, and chargers. This phenomenon is known by a lot of cool names, like “phantom load” or “vampire power,” but it can mean big costs on your power bill.
Printers, fax machines, and other office electronics can be significant sources of phantom load—heavy machinery even more. To completely stop energy use, you need to unplug these devices when you’re done for the day. Using power strips can make it easier to disconnect multiple devices at once.
Myth #3: Cranking the thermostat heats or cools your space faster.
Setting your thermostat to an extreme temperature doesn’t heat or cool your space any faster; it merely prolongs the system's operation. Thermostats control the duration of heating or cooling, not the speed at which the desired temperature is reached—which means cranking the thermostat up or down simply keeps the system running longer to reach that extreme (especially if you forget to set it back to normal), leading to overuse and energy waste.
The most efficient way to use a thermostat is to set it to a reasonable, comfortable temperature and let it regulate the indoor climate gradually. Programmable thermostats can optimize energy use by adjusting the temperature based on your schedule.
Myth #4: Space heaters and A/C units are more cost-effective than central thermostats.
While it might seem like using a space heater or portable A/C unit in a single room would save money compared to heating or cooling an entire building, these devices often consume more energy than you might think. Space heaters and portable A/C units are designed to heat or cool small areas quickly, but they use a significant amount of energy. Even energy-efficient models can be less efficient overall than a well-managed central system.
It’s generally more efficient to use a central HVAC system with zone controls to manage temperatures in different areas. Ensure your central system is well-maintained and consider using programmable thermostats to manage energy use during different times of the day.
Myth #5: Lowering your thermostat won’t save much money.
Contrary to popular belief, lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees in the winter or raising it in the summer can result in substantial savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7–10 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal setting for 8 hours a day. Combining thermostat adjustments with other energy-saving practices, such as using fans to circulate air and sealing leaks, can maximize savings.
Now you know—what’s next?
Here’s what isn’t a myth: you CAN save money on your power bill with simple measures like upgrading your HVAC system, improving your operations, and getting a smart meter that lets you monitor your facility’s energy usage 24/7. Smart meters like Electripure’s CleanPQ system are a great start to get a glimpse into how you’re using your power and where it’s being wasted in your facility.
Want one of our experts to come inspect your facility for free to find ways you can save money on your power bill? Contact us today and we can help your business save money on power!