5 Energy Saving Myths - Freeze-Frame Radio

JD The Jazz Doctor · Grand Poobah

5 Energy Saving Myths

JD The Jazz Doctor · Grand Poobah

2. Myth: Replacing an Old Furnace Will Cut Heating Costs

If the furnace or boiler isn't heating the house like it used to, don't be overly quick to replace it. Unless either piece of equipment is 10 to 15 years old or seriously damaged, you shouldnt buy a new one, says Vargas.

A new furnace or boiler will set you back an average of $4,000 to $5,000, according to Consumer Reports, and chances are slim that you'll recoup that amount through energy savings over time. Instead, hire an inspector to look at your system and assess whether it needs to be replaced, says Vargas.

If the system is in working order, consider making a few changes within your home --such as sealing cracks and replacing air filters -- to lower your heating bills, says Rangan. By doing so, you can save 40% on your annual energy bill, according to greenerChoices.org. (For more ways to reduce your electricity bill, read our story).

JD The Jazz Doctor · Grand Poobah

3. Myth: A Ceiling Fan Cools the Room

A big energy waster is leaving a ceiling fan on when you're not in the room."The ceiling fan doesnt cool the room when you're gone, it's just going to cool you when you're in the room," says Vargas.

Ceiling fans can help in another way, though. Instead of cranking up the air conditioner (a huge waste of energy), turn it to low and use it with a ceiling fan, says Rangan. The fan will help the room feel six or seven degrees cooler, according to Consumer Reports.

JD The Jazz Doctor · Grand Poobah

4. Myth: Buying Premium Gasoline Improves Mileage

Unless your car requires premium, or high octane, gasoline (you can find out by checking the car's owner's manual) then youre better off filling your tank with regular gas. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, most engines are designed for 87-octane or regular gas.

Gas mileage doesnt increase with a higher-octane level, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. The octane number is actually a measure the fuels resistance to engine knocking or pinging, which is the sound an engine makes when the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chambers ignites too early. Loud knocking can damage the engine.

JD The Jazz Doctor · Grand Poobah

5. Myth: Your Plugged-In Gadgets Don't Waste Much Energy

A common misconception is that your household gadgets -- such as your cellphone charger, computer and stereo -- don't waste much energy if they're plugged in but not powered on.

Collectively, however, the cost of keeping those devices plugged in can add up significantly. According to Consumer Reports' GreenerChoices.org, household electronics and appliances account for 19% of the average annual household energy bill. Meanwhile, "standby power" (when products in your home are turned off, but still plugged in) accounts for an estimated 8% of a household's annual electricity use, or $110 per household per year.

Unplugging one device won't make a big difference in your savings, but unplugging a slew of them will. Plugged-in cellphone chargers cost up to $5.73 per year (assuming the device is in standby mode for 16 hours each day), according to GreenerChoices.org. TVs and audio equipment can cost up to $14.32 a year, while fans, computer printers and scanners can cost as much as $28.65 annually.

To save money and limit inconvenience, unplug appliances that are easy to plug in again, says Vargas. You're better off keeping your fridge and TV plugged in -- since both plugs are usually difficult to get to -- but unplug your cellphone charger and your printer. If you use your computer every day, put it in sleep mode and you'll use some 80% less electricity, according to GreenerChoices.org.

Also, use a power strip with an on/off switch so that you can cut the current on several devices at once when they aren't in use. And don't forget to unplug your appliances before you leave for vacation.