Energy Efficiency Conservation – Two Myths That Hinder Energy Savings

 

Energy efficiency conservation simply means using less energy to provide the same level of energy service. According to the International Energy Agency, solar power efficiency and energy efficient buildings, manufacturing practices and transport could decrease the world’s energy needs in 2050 by one-third, and help control worldwide emissions of greenhouse gases.

 

Still, there are a lot of misconceptions about energy efficiency conservation. Here are two of the major ones:

 

Energy Efficiency Conservation Myth No. 1: You should leave fluorescent lights on because it takes more energy to turn them off, then on again.

 

Energy Conservation Fact: Modern fluorescent fixtures with electronic ballasts should be turned off whenever you leave the room. Lighting is one of the easiest places to begin saving energy. Replacing your five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs can result in major energy savings. These light bulbs provide high quality lighting, use less energy and last up to ten times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs.

 

Energy Efficiency Conservation Myth No. 2: You should leave computers on overnight to prevent computer damage.

 

Energy Conservation Fact: Personal computers with an Energy Star rating can be put in “sleep mode” when not in use to save energy. Turn off all personal computers at home, school or at the office during lunch hours, overnight and on weekends. It pays to shut them off, and also to unplug laptop chargers from the wall socket in not in use to prevent power wastage.

 

Many people feel overwhelmed by the inherent sacrifice of conservation. However, conservation can make our lives easier by reducing the number of appliances that clutter our lives, the size of the house to keep clean, or the car payments we have to make. If we’re practicing renewable energy conservation, and we invest in energy efficient appliances, vehicles, etc., we would be making progress towards our economic, security and environmental goals.