We’ve all heard the tips and tricks for saving energy and reducing monthly utility bills. However, you may have wondered how many of these are actually worthwhile to reduce energy waste in your Glenview, Illinois, home. Check out these energy-saving myths and why they don’t actually help you save.
Leaving Lamps On
Some people think that turning a lamp on and off wastes more energy than just leaving it on all the time. This is definitely not true because a lamp uses energy only when it’s on. It doesn’t take extra electricity for a bulb to turn on and off, so make sure to keep lamps off when they’re not currently in use. Take advantage of daylight by opening the blinds and curtains to let the sun come through the windows, reducing the need to keep lights on all day and night.
LED Bulbs Cost More But They Save More
The cost of one LED light bulb is higher than the cost of a compact fluorescent or another type of bulb. However, they are well worth the higher cost because of the potential savings over the lifespan of a single bulb. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an Energy Star-certified LED bulb uses 20 to 25 percent of the energy used by an incandescent bulb and will last up to 25 times longer.
Closing Vents in Unused Rooms
When you don’t spend a lot of time in certain rooms of your home, you might think it makes sense to close the vents in those rooms and allow the heating or cooling system to direct more air to the high-traffic areas. However, an HVAC system is designed with balance and flow in mind, so,a disruption of that flow will cause harm and reduce efficiency. It’s best to just adjust the thermostat if it feels too hot or cold in a specific area.
If you’re struggling with high utility bills and poor efficiency, contact our expert HVAC technicians at Ireland Heating & Air Conditioning Co. to schedule a heating or cooling tuneup by calling 847-388-0108.
