Save Power - Powerful myths

Call them simple fabrications or great untruths but there are many urban myths about power consumption that need to be debunked.

Myths:

• The carbon pollution produced by households is insignificant compared to that produced by business
• Appliances use no power when turned off
• Leaving a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) turned on is cheaper than turning it off and on again
• Lowering the thermostat will cool the house faster
• A few draughts won't effect my power bill
• Computers should be left on when you're not using them

Myth: The carbon pollution produced by households is insignificant compared to that produced by business

Reality: Households account for about a third of the electricity used in NSW. Almost 3.5 tonnes of black coal – about the same weight as 3 small cars – is needed to supply the average Sydney household with a year’s worth of electricity. Each person in NSW generates an average of 23 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. By reducing your energy use at home, you can reduce your impact on climate change and save money.

Myth: Appliances use no power when turned off

Reality: Many appliances continue to use electricity even though they’re switched off. It’s called stand-by. Everything from PCs to TVs, air conditioners to gas room heaters aren’t completely switched off until they’re unplugged from the power point. Stand-by power accounts for about 10% of your power bill.

Myth: Leaving a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) turned on is cheaper than turning it off and on again

Reality: You should turn off your CFLs if you’re leaving the room for more than a few minutes. While CFLs draw more power to start up, this only lasts for a fraction of a second which is tiny compared to the normal running requirements.

Myth: Lowering the thermostat will cool the house faster

Reality: Set thermostats at 26-27°C for summer cooling. Lowering the thermostat won’t cool your house faster, it just makes the fan run longer, increasing running costs by up to 15%.

Myth: A few draughts won't effect my power bill

Reality: Draught proof your home now. In winter, draughts can increase your heating costs by up to 25%. Sealing up gaps around windows and doors is easy and cost effective, helping you save on your energy bills every year. Fitting effective coverings on your windows can cut your power bill dramatically. Just consider how many windows you have in your home and you'll see how many chances heat has to escape.

Myth: Computers should be left on when you're not using them

Reality: A computer and monitor (not ENERGY STAR® enabled) left on for a year generates the same amount of carbon pollution as a car travelling from Sydney to Perth. Look for ENERGY STAR home electronics and office equipment. They use up to 75% less energy than standard products because they automatically switch into a power-saving "sleep" mode after a pre-set period of inactivity.

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