Energy Myth Busters

1. You should leave the lights on because it takes more energy to turn them back on than you'll save by turning them off.  FALSE!
   Fluorescent lights do take a small surge of power when turned on, but this is significantly smaller than the amount saved by turning them off. It used to be that starting them shortened their life, but again this is not significant. It's always better to turn off modern lights if leaving for more than a minute.
   See: http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/fluorescent_lights.html
   
   
2. When I switch an appliance off, it might still be using electricity. TRUE!
   Many electronic appliances, such as TVs, DVDs, and microwave ovens draw a significant amount of "standby power." In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while they are "off." Across the US, this equals the annual output of 12 power plants and costs over $1 billion each year.
   See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfZxWgQUeTk
   
   
3. Computers are more reliable and they last longer when they're left on all the time. FALSE!
   The theory was that thermal cycling, from powering computers up and down, stressed and broke the components. The fact is that thermal problems are usually from heat buildup and/or poor ventilation. In any case, it's always better to shut the machine down for energy, security, and operational reasons. Experts agree - shut it off when you leave for the day.
   See: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=power_mgt.pr_power_management
   
   
4. Fluorescent light is unhealthy and incandescent light is good for you.  FALSE!
   Modern fluorescent lighting has much better color and none of the annoying hum or flicker of older fluorescent lighting. Because it's roughly four times as efficient, replacing one incandescent lamp with a compact fluorescent can save $60 and 500 pounds of greenhouse gas over its lifetime. That's healthier for you and the planet.
   See: http://www.onebillionbulbs.com/
   
   
5. Turning the heat down at night doesn't save any energy because you just have to warm it up again. FALSE!
   It takes less energy to warm up a cold room in the morning than it does to maintain a constant temperature throughout the night.
   See: http://www.amherst.edu/~physicsqanda/Thermostat.htm
   
   
6. Windmills kill a significant number of birds, bats, and moths. FALSE!
   Wind energy's impact on birds is extremely low compared to buildings, car/truck traffic, and housecats. Burning fossil fuels creates air and water pollution that does far greater harm to wildlife and the environment.
   See: http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/18167
   See: http://www.crs2.net/Myths/Myths-Wind.htm
   
   
7. Showering uses less energy than taking a bath.  TRUE!
   Taking a 10-minute shower with a code-compliant low-flow (2.5 gallons per minute) shower head uses 25 gallons of water. A bath takes 30-50 gallons. There are high-quality hower heads that use 1.5 gallons per minute or less.
   See: http://www.bricor.com
   See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LECzfjC-qck
   
   
8. Solar energy cannot serve any significant fraction of the country's electricity needs.  FALSE!
   Installing photovoltaic panels to cover the 5 million acres of "brownfield"-abandoned industrial sites in US cities - could supply 90% of our current electricity use.
   See: http://www.crs2.net/Myths/Myths-Solar.htm
   
   
9. Photovoltaic panels will never generate more energy than was used in their manufacture.  FALSE!
   A modern crystalline silicon PV panel will take about four years (about 1/8 the expected life) to generate more energy than used in making it.
   
   
10. Turning your car off uses less fuel and is easier on the components than letting it idle for two minutes, even in very cold weather.  TRUE!
    Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine. Excessive idling can cause incomplete combustion, harm cylinder walls, foul spark plugs, and corrode exhaust systems. Driving slowly is more effective at warming up a car than idling.
    See: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/communities-government/idling.cfm?attr=8

For additional information on Myth Busters - See: http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/energy-myths3.html