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Editor’s Note (2025): This post has been refreshed to replace outdated CFL information with current LED lighting guidance and to improve clarity.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 from your computer for two hours or more, turn it off. For shorter breaks, use sleep or energy saver modes to reduce power to the monitor and internal components.
Better yet:
Use a surge-protection power strip so you can shut off the entire setup — computer, monitor, speakers, modem, chargers — with one switch. These devices draw power even when unused.
Screen savers don’t save energy. In fact, they can prevent your computer from entering efficient 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 even gas appliances with digital displays 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 to the touch, it’s drawing power.
Tip:
Unplug items that don’t need to stay connected, or plug them into a power strip so you can switch them off easily.
Myth #3: “Old refrigerators make great backup storage in the garage.”
Not usually.
Older refrigerators use far more electricity — sometimes twice as much as newer models. Placed in an unconditioned garage, they work even harder to maintain temperature, costing $100+ per year.
If you need extra cold storage, consider 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 light bulbs are extremely efficient and are not affected by being switched on and off. Turning LEDs off whenever you leave the room saves energy.
(Older CFL bulbs were sensitive to frequent switching — but 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 can significantly reduce heating costs.
It does not take more energy to warm the house back up later — that’s an outdated misconception.
Myth #6: “Turning the thermostat way up (or down) heats/cools the house faster.”
False.
Your HVAC system works at one steady speed. Setting the temperature higher or lower won’t make it work faster — it just increases the chance you’ll forget to reset it, wasting energy.
Set it to the temperature you actually want.
Myth #7: “Hand-washing dishes saves hot water compared to using a dishwasher.”
Nope!
Dishwashers actually use less hot water per load than hand washing — especially modern, efficient models.
For best savings:
- Run full loads
- Skip heated dry and crack open the door for air drying
Myth #8: “Ceiling fans don’t save energy — they just move air.”
Actually, they can help a lot.
Fans cool people, not rooms. By running a ceiling fan, you can raise your thermostat by 3–4 degrees and still feel comfortable.
Just remember to turn fans off when you leave the room.
The Bottom Line
Many long-held energy beliefs just aren’t true. Now that you know the facts, you can start taking small, practical steps that save money — and reduce waste — right away. To explore energy-efficient features in our homes, browse our floor plans or take a look at our available homes.
If you have questions about building an energy-efficient home, the Ernest Homes team is always here to help. Call us anytime at 912-756-4135 or send us an email.
