Busted energy-related myths

August 21, 2008

If you’re a fan of the Discovery Channel’s MythBusters, you’ll know that in 2006 the whiz kids on that show tested the theory that it’s better to leave the lights on when leaving a room briefly, because it takes more energy to turn bulbs on and off than it does to let them continuously burn. Their conclusion: BUSTED. The MythBusters team found that flipping the switch on a fluorescent bulb is better if the light is going to be off for more than 23 seconds. All other bulbs only need to be off for a second or less to save energy.

In that same vein, the folks over at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a Washington nonprofit, have put out their own list of busted energy-related myths.

Here are some things they think you should know:

Warming up the car isn’t necessary: “Don’t spend time warming up the car when it’s cold outside. While it is best to avoid stressing the car while the engine is cold, simply drive a bit more “gently” for the first few minutes. Also, idling a modern car always wastes more energy than turning it off (even for short periods of time).”

Some appliance features use more energy: “Side-by-side refrigerator/freezers generally use more energy than freezer-on-top models. Features such as icemakers also use extra energy. Most front-loading clothes washers save significant amounts of energy and water compared to conventional top-loading designs. On the other hand, products like stoves vary relatively little in their inherent efficiency.”

Screensavers are bogus: “The best way to save energy for your computer is to turn it off when you’re not using it. The second best way is to set it to automatically go into “sleep” or “hibernate” mode to save energy. Also, make sure the next computer you purchase has an ENERGY STAR label. Contrary to popular belief, using a screensaver saves no energy.”

For more tips, check out their Web site or go here and find out the truth behind some more energy-related myths.

DANIELLE ULMAN, Business Reporter

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Posted by Jackie Sauter | Filed Under business, energy 

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