Here you will solve many of the myths that exist about saving energy consumption: should you unplug your appliances or not, is it a good idea to turn them on and off constantly? Which features of these appliances really help you save and which are pure marketing? You will discover all this and much more in this article in which we dispel several erroneous myths about energy saving.
Saving energy, which then means saving money on bills at the end of each month, is one of the intrinsic objectives of almost all people, families, and homes in the country, but not everyone has the appropriate information to save on electricity. this sense. Over time, several myths and hoaxes have spread that have misled part of the population about energy saving. In this article you will discover the truth about the main myths of energy saving.
Why do you have to know these myths?
With the price of energy constantly rising, it is normal for us to look for ways to reduce our consumption. However, not all the recommendations that circulate are true. Identifying the wrong advice and knowing what really works helps us save effectively without unnecessary sacrifices.
Washing dishes by hand consumes less than the dishwasher
Many people believe that washing dishes by hand is a cheaper alternative to using the dishwasher, but this is not the case. The dishwasher, especially in ECO mode, saves both water and energy. When washing by hand, between 60 and 70 liters of water are usually used, while the dishwasher can operate with about 10 to 15 liters. Furthermore, if you use it during off-peak rates, the savings are even greater.
Leaving the heating on at a low temperature consumes less
This myth is widespread, but it is misleading. It is true that heating systems require an initial effort to heat the space, but turning off the heating when we are not at home or at night reduces consumption. It is advisable to keep the heating at a moderate temperature while we are present and turn it off when it is not needed.
The ceramic hob uses less than the gas stove
If you have a ceramic hob because you thought it would consume less, the reality is that the gas stove is still a more economical option. In fact, a ceramic hob can use up to four times more than a gas stove. If you are thinking of changing your stove, an induction option could be a better alternative, as it is more efficient than traditional ceramic hobs.
The LED lights must be turned off every time we leave the room
LED lights consume very little, but they also have a peak consumption when turned on. This means that if you are leaving a room for only a few minutes, it is more efficient to leave the LED lights on. However, if you are going to be away for longer, turning them off is the best way to reduce energy consumption.
Leaving the devices in sleep mode consumes almost nothing
That small red LED that indicates that a device is in “stand-by” is synonymous with phantom consumption. Leaving devices idle can account for up to 10% of the electricity costs at home. The ideal is to disconnect them completely or use power strips with switches to cut off the supply when they are not in use.
Preheating the oven is always necessary
It is not always necessary to preheat the oven, especially if the cooking time is long, as is the case with dishes lasting more than an hour. By not preheating and avoiding opening the oven while cooking, you reduce the amount of energy wasted. This way, your electricity bill doesn’t skyrocket every time you decide to cook in the oven.
Windows do not influence energy expenditure
Although windows take up a small surface area compared to the rest of the house, up to 30% of heat or cold is lost through them if they are not well insulated. Weatherstripping windows or switching to double-glazed glass can help retain indoor temperatures, reducing heating consumption in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.
Short programs on appliances save energy
Short programs on appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers save time, but not necessarily energy. ECO cycles, although longer, are designed to reduce electricity and water consumption, as they keep the appliance running at lower power for longer.
Changing electricity companies is complicated and expensive
Many people believe that changing electricity providers is a cumbersome process, but in reality, this is not the case. Changing electricity companies has no cost and, in some cases, can mean considerable savings on the monthly bill. Competition between companies usually generates attractive offers that can help you reduce your expenses.
Instead of trusting dubious recommendations, it is preferable to be well informed about the characteristics of the devices and programs we use. Maintaining responsible consumption involves both choosing efficient equipment and adapting our habits to optimize its use. Knowing these myths is the first step towards saving. With small changes and without falling into false beliefs, we can reduce electricity consumption and protect the planet.
