The quest for ongoing energy savings has resulted in a number of myths that frequently get repeated as truth. There are many reliable ways to save energy and money, but here are some myths that can lead us to try things that don’t actually work:
- Energy-efficient HVAC equipment will automatically reduce monthly heating or cooling bills: It is certainly true that energy-efficient air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps will provide good levels of home comfort for less money. However, to get the greatest economic benefit from this equipment, it must be the correct size for your home and must be installed correctly. Ductwork must be correctly designed and sealed against leaks, your home must be adequately insulated, and other sources of air and energy leaks must be sealed off.
- Duct tape should be used to seal ducts: Contrary to its name, duct tape is not recommended for duct sealing. The adhesive on duct tape can easily dry, causing the duct tape to come loose or fall away completely, reopening gaps and holes. Poor surface preparation can also lead to duct tape failure. Instead, specialized duct sealant mastic or metal tape should be used.
- When a device is turned off, it’s not using any energy: Many appliances and equipment still use a small amount of energy when plugged in, even if the device has been turned off. The easiest way to eliminate standby power loss is to unplug the device when you’re not using it.
- Leaving lights and appliances on is cheaper than turning them off and on as needed: Devices do use a surge of power when they are turned on, but this extra power is always going to me much less than the energy consumed by leaving the device on constantly.
Thirty years of experience in the HVAC industry make Ace Hardware Home Services Inc. a leading source of cooling and heating services in Dayton and the surrounding area. Contact us today for more information on energy savings and for practical, real-world suggestions for conserving energy and holding down your utility bills.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy savings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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