Debunking Energy Myths
Editor’s Note (2025): This post has been refreshed to replace outdated CFL information with current LED lighting guidance and to improve clarity. The original publication date remains the same.
Many homeowners try to save energy by installing efficient appliances, upgrading windows, or adding weather stripping — and those steps definitely help. But dozens of common energy myths keep people unknowingly wasting electricity and money.
Here are some of the biggest misconceptions… and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: “It’s better to leave your computer on all the time.”
False.
If you’ll be away for two hours or more, turn your computer off. For shorter breaks, use sleep or energy saver modes to reduce power to internal components.
Better yet: Use a surge-protection power strip so you can turn off the monitor, speakers, modem, and chargers with one switch. These items draw power even when not in use.
Screen savers do not save energy — they can actually prevent sleep mode. When buying new electronics, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated computers, which use up to 70% less electricity.
Myth #2: “If an appliance is off, it’s not using energy.”
Not true.
Devices like TVs, game consoles, cable boxes, phone chargers, and anything with a digital display often draw electricity when “off.” This standby usage — known as phantom power or vampire power — can account for up to 5% of all electricity use in U.S. homes.
If an unused device feels warm, it’s drawing power. Unplug items you’re not using, or plug them into a power strip for easy shutoff.
Myth #3: “Old refrigerators make great backup storage in the garage.”
Not usually.
Older refrigerators use twice as much electricity as today’s models — and placing them in a hot garage makes them work even harder. This can add more than $100 per year to your bill.
If you need extra storage, choose an ENERGY STAR® refrigerator designed for garage use.
Myth #4: “Leaving lights on saves money compared to turning them on and off.”
Not anymore.
Modern LED bulbs are extremely efficient and are not affected by frequent switching. Turn lights off whenever you leave a room.
(This myth originally came from older CFL bulbs. LEDs have replaced CFLs in nearly every home.)
Myth #5: “Keeping your thermostat at one temperature uses less energy.”
Wrong.
Lowering your thermostat by 7–10 degrees overnight or while you're away reduces heating costs. It does not take more energy to warm the house back up — that’s an outdated misconception.
Myth #6: “Turning the thermostat way up (or down) heats or cools the house faster.”
False.
Your HVAC system works at one steady speed. Setting extreme temperatures doesn’t make it run faster — it just increases the chance you'll forget to reset it, wasting energy.
Myth #7: “Hand-washing dishes saves hot water compared to using a dishwasher.”
Nope!
Dishwashers use less hot water per load than hand washing — especially ENERGY STAR models.
For best savings:
- Run full loads
- Skip heated dry and air-dry instead
Myth #8: “Ceiling fans don't save energy — they just move air.”
Actually, they can help a lot.
Fans cool people, not rooms. Running a ceiling fan allows you to raise your thermostat by 3–4 degrees while staying comfortable.
Just remember to turn fans off when you leave the room.
The Bottom Line
Many long-held energy beliefs simply aren’t true. Now that you know the facts, you can take small, practical steps that save money — and reduce waste — right away.
To explore energy-efficient features in our homes, browse our floor plans or explore our available homes.
If you have questions about building an energy-efficient home, the Ernest Homes team is here to help. Call us at 912-756-4135 or send us an email.
