Energy Myth #1: Screen savers save energy.

Reality: Giving your computer a nap by enabling its power management features will save energy.

 

Energy Myth #2: Compact fluorescent lights are those long, flickering tubes seen in some offices.

Reality: A compact fluorescent light bulb is part of the new generation of light bulbs suitable for home use. They screw into the same light bulb socket and produce the same quality of light as an incandescent bulb. They use 70% less electricity and lasts up to 10 times longer than an incandescent light bulb.

 

Energy Myth #3: Appliances use no energy when turned off.

Reality:  Not true! Many appliances continue to consume electricity when turned off.

 

Energy Myth #4: It doesn't matter whether I turn my computer off or leave it in sleep mode.

Reality:  Computers should be shut off when not used for long periods of time, such as overnight. When you're away from your computer for shorter periods, it is okay to use the "sleep" or "energy-saver" mode. This will turn off the monitor, but your computer will not have to be restarted. The biggest electricity draw is the monitor, which can use from 50 to 150 watts, depending on its size. Flat screen monitors use only 10-15 watts. Switching the displays and terminals off at the end of the day would save 85 watts per computer. Source: California Energy Commission

 

 

Energy Myth #6:  I’ll never get any benefit from saving energy.

Reality: Reducing personal energy use at home translate to more money in your pocket!

 

Energy Myth #7: Leaving a fluorescent light turned on is cheaper than turning it off and on

Reality: This is an urban myth that has persisted for many years. You should turn off your fluorescent lamps if the space is not going to be occupied for more than a few minutes (3-5 minutes is a good rule of thumb). The modern electronic ballast and T8/T5 lamp combination do draw a higher level of current during startup, but it only lasts for a fraction of a second, which is negligible compared to normal current requirements of the lamps. Source: California Energy Commission

 

Energy Myth #8: No savings can be achieved by switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs.

Reality: Replacing frequently used regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs can save 200 kilowatt-hours per year. Source: David Suzuki Foundation

 

Energy Myth #9: Most of the energy used by a washing machine is used to operate the machine.

Reality: 90% of the energy consumed in washing is used to heat the water. Source: David Suzuki Foundation

 

Energy Myth #10: One person cannot make a difference.

Reality: Each of us has opportunities to influence energy use at Algonquin College, at home and in our community. Turning off lights and equipment, buying compact fluorescent light bulbs, monitoring our heating and cooling, and encouraging others to be energy conscious are all ways each of us can make a difference.