Saving money and energy is on everyone’s minds these days, but there are a lot of ideas about energy efficiency floating around that might not necessarily be true.
1. Keeping the lights on uses less energy than turning them on and off.
This was true for many years when commercial lighting used a certain fluorescent bulb. It took several minutes to warm up, as well as a ton of energy. Leaving them on was easier. However, with today’s technology, it takes less than one second to light up bulbs. Turning off lights as soon as the room is no longer in use cuts down on the electricity bill.
2. Ceiling fans keep rooms cool.
Fans recirculate air, not actually affecting the temperature. The breeze cools people down by moving air across the skin, but won’t actually lower the temperature of the room. Instead of leaving the fan on all day long, people should only keep it on while they are present in the room.
3. Radically altering the thermostat will heat or cool things faster.
Turning up the thermostat several degrees to heat up the room faster does not work. It will only cause the furnace to run longer not produce heat faster. Thermostats are designed to turn the furnace off once the room reaches the preset temperature. A better solution is to create a schedule on a programmable thermostat. Opening window treatments to let in sunlight can also help lower the electricity bill during the winter months, just like keeping them closed will help lower it during summer months.
4. Keeping the computer on wastes less energy.
Much like the new light technology, new advances in computers make it possible to continuously turn them on and off without causing harm and additional energy output. When using a desktop, remember that the monitor uses even more energy than the hard drive, making it equally as imperative to turn off.
5. Electric space heaters save money
This mostly depends on whether gas or electricity cost more in the area. In most cases, electricity costs much more than gas. Either way, if there are sections of the home that just aren’t staying warm enough, contact Diamond Heating and Cooling. We can investigate the cause and come up with a safe and effective solution.
6. Windows and doors are the only way air leaks from a building.
Faulty air ducts can play a major part in air leakage too. Air ducts should be regularly inspected to make sure there aren’t any leaks or holes in them. Weather stripping and replacing the caulking around doors and windows can also prevent the release of air.
7. Decreasing the energy bill means purchasing all new equipment.
Modifying the behaviors of those in the home or building can often significantly reduce the energy bill. Remembering to turn off lights, adjusting the thermostat and unplugging unused devices will downsize the amount of energy used. Routine furnace and AC maintenance can also help by making sure everything is running as efficiently as possible.
Contact Diamond Heating & Cooling today for 24/7 HVAC service in Boise
& throughout Treasure Valley.