ENERGY SAVING MYTHS

By Heather Juzenas, Vice President of Marketing & Member Services

Do not be fooled by energy saving myths! Our members often ask us how they can save money on their monthly bill. Here are five things to keep in mind that may be costing you extra money.

MYTH #1: Setting the thermostat higher or lower will heat or cool a room faster.

Most furnaces and air conditioners work at the same speed, no matter what the thermostat setting. Unless you have a variable speed blower, more energy may be wasted as the system continues to run to reach the higher or lower set point.

MYTH #2: Leaving lights on uses less energy than turning them on and off.

In most cases, the small surge of power needed to turn a light on is much less than the power that is wasted by leaving it on when it is not needed.

MYTH #3: Closing off vents will reduce heating and cooling costs.

Closing vents is not a good way to save on energy costs. Heating and cooling systems are designed to distribute air evenly; closing vents throws the system off balance. This wastes energy because air pressure builds up and causes duct leaks.

MYTH #4: Leaving a ceiling fan on will cool a room.

Ceiling fans circulate air, making your skin feel cooler. This allows you to save energy by raising the thermostat. However, fans do not cool the air. Leaving them on in empty rooms wastes energy.

MYTH #5: Hand washing dishes is cheaper than using a dishwasher,

It is common for people to believe that dishwashers use more water and energy than hand washing dishes. In fact, washing a typical load of dishes in a dishwasher uses 37% less water. Also, using an ENERGY STAR®certified dishwasher, rather than hand washing, can cut your annual energy costs by more than $40, according to ENERGY STAR®

Separating home energy myths from reality can save you money and keep your family comfortable year-round.

4 Key Factors That Impact Energy Bills

You pay for the energy you use each month, but there are additional factors that impact your energy bills.

Fuel Costs

We purchase electric, natural gas and propane for our members before we deliver it to your home. This cost changes based on energy markets. Electric members see this costs as Generation and Transmission fees on the back of their bill. Natural Gas members see it as Gas Cost. This monthly charge covers cost fluctuations without having to continually restructure rates.

Service Costs

Your bill includes a facility fee to cover the co-op’s ongoing investments in poles, wire, meters, system maintenance and additional costs necessary to bring energy to your home. The facility fee is charged every month you have electric, natural gas or propane available at your home. The cost helps us ensure your service is reliable, safe and ready when you want to use it.

Weather

The greater the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more energy it takes to heat and cool your home (even when your thermostat stays the same). When temperatures soar or dip, your cooling or heating equipment must run longer and at maximum capacity, which can greatly increase your energy use. Extreme temperatures can also affect energy market prices. When the need for energy increases due to extreme heat or cold, the price typically rises.

Energy Consumption

This is the amount of energy you use each month to power your home’s cooling/ heating system, appliances, lighting, electronics and more. You have control over how much energy you use, which can ultimately help manage your monthly costs.