Many homeowners waste electricity due to misunderstandings or misinformation. If you’re making one or more of these mistakes, you might be able to significantly lower your utility bills with a few simple changes.
Misconception #1: Fans Make Rooms Cooler
Fans circulate air, but they don’t change the actual temperature. If you’re in a room with a fan on, the breeze makes you feel cooler, which means you can set your air conditioner for a higher temperature and feel comfortable.
Running a fan in an unoccupied room is a waste of electricity. Turning off a fan when you leave a room can reduce your electricity usage and save you money.
Misconception #2: Using Space Heaters Will Cost Less Than Using the Furnace to Heat Your Whole House
If you typically only use some of the rooms in your house, you might think that you’re wasting money by heating unoccupied areas. It might seem like a good idea to run space heaters only in rooms that you’re using, rather than use the furnace to heat the entire house, but that approach can cost you more because space heaters are less efficient than your furnace.
Misconception #3: Turning Electronic Devices On and Off Uses More Electricity Than Leaving Them on All the Time
While it used to take a significant amount of energy to power up a computer, that’s no longer true. Electronic devices have become more efficient over the years. Leaving your laptop and other devices on all the time wastes electricity.
Misconception #4: When You Turn off Appliances and Electronic Devices, They Stop Using Electricity
When you turn off a lamp, a TV, a coffee maker, a laptop or another device or appliance, it generally enters “standby” or “sleep” mode. It continues to consume electricity, even if it’s not being used. To avoid wasting energy and money, unplug appliances and devices when they’re not in use. That might be a hassle at first, but if you’re consistent, it can quickly become a regular part of your routine.
Plugging multiple devices into a single power strip can make things easier. You can simply unplug the power strip from the wall and plug it back in later, rather than unplug and plug in each device individually. Another option is to use a smart plug that you can operate with your phone.
Misconception #5: It’s Cheaper to Run Appliances at Night
Some utility companies charge lower rates at off-peak times, but many don’t. If you’re charged the same rate regardless of the time of day, then running the dishwasher or doing laundry at night won’t save you money. If you aren’t sure if your electricity rates vary or if you’re charged a standard rate, check your most recent bill or contact your utility company.
