We’re all looking for ways to be kind to Mother Earth while protecting resources (and saving money). Thus we want to debunk some energy-saving myths (courtesy of Bob Vila).
MYTH 1: Close vents in empty rooms to save on your energy bill
This seems to make sense. Close the vents in rooms less frequently used. Closing vents does ensure that all hot or cold air is directed only to high-traffic areas. But closing vents can cause pressure buildup and leaks in the HVAC ducts, which in turn lead to energy waste.
MYTH 2: Using your dishwasher is worse than hand-washing
This may have been true once upon a time, but most of today's homes are outfitted with Energy Star-certified dishwashers. Washing dishes by hand now often uses up more hot water than the machine would use. You should always run a full dishwasher though to save water and energy.
MYTH 3: If it's off, it’s not using up energy
Plugged-in appliances and electronic gadgets still draw power even when turned off. So that toaster that sits on your counter is slowly using power. To prevent this, unplug infrequently used electronics when they're not in use. Don’t forget to remove chargers from outlets too!
MYTH 4: A smart thermostat will save you tons of money
The savings potential of smart thermostats is a big selling point for the thermostat company but it’s not necessarily true. For instance, if you already use a programmable thermostat, installing a smart device may not have any measurable impact on your utility bill. Similarly, an intelligent thermostat won’t save you money if it’s underutilized.
MYTH 5: You won't need to change the filters if you run your HVAC fan continuously
Your HVAC fan can reduce the presence of allergens in your home, but that doesn’t negate the need to replace the unit’s filters. In fact, when you run the fan continuously, more air is being pushed through the filters, so they will clog up more quickly. They should be changed every 3 months.
MYTH 6: If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it
You’ve gone a year without any HVAC problems. Great! You should still service your system once a year. Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your system and ensures that problems are spotted before they can leave their mark on your utility bill. And the first really cold or hot day is not when you want to learn your system isn’t working properly.
Lisa Carroll, Team TLC - Mihara & Associates
813-205-7337
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