Shedding Some Light on Home Energy Use

Myth: When appliances are turned off, they do not use energy.

Fact: Most appliances continue to consume power when switched off, sometimes as much power as when they’re on.

A surprisingly large number of electrical products--from air conditioners to microwaves to computers to VCRs--continues to use power even when switched off.

The only way to eliminate power usage is to unplug the device, otherwise they draw power 24 hours a day.

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Myth: Leaving on lights, computers and other appliances uses less energy than turning them on and off, and also makes them last longer.

Fact: The small power surge required to turn devices on is less than the energy needed to keep the devices running.

As a result of improved designs in electrical products, turning them on and off does not affect the lifespan of these products.

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Myth: Halogen lighting is the most energy-efficient option.

Fact: It’s true that halogen lights use less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. However, compact fluorescent lights are nearly three times as efficient as halogens. Also, halogens require transformers that use extra energy, even when the lights are turned off.

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Sources: Evan Mills, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Environmental Division.