When you’ve been around as long as we have (133 years, to be exact) you hear a lot of myths about energy.
Many of these myths aren’t just wrong, they can actually cost you more in the long run! There’s nothing worse than thinking you’re saving, only to find out you’re spending more.
Let your pals at PSO help you out. Here are four of the most common myths about energy debunked!
Myth #1: “My electronics stop using energy when I turn them off.”
Reality: Most electronics and appliances are energy vampires (spooky, right?), which means they draw power even if they’re turned “off” or in standby mode. This energy is called “phantom power” (also spooky), which can impact your energy bill by as much as 10%!
PSO Pro Tip: Plug in your electronics using ADVANCED Power Strips, which shut off phantom power – and come with rebates of up to $22 off from us.
Myth #2: “I’m saving energy and water by hand washing my dishes.”
Reality: Not only does hand washing your dishes take more time, it uses more energy and water, especially if you’re using hot water. After all, something has to heat that water, right?
PSO Pro Tip: Save energy by scraping your dishes off, using a stronger detergent, and most especially, using the eco mode on an ENERGY STAR®-certified dishwasher.
Myth #3: “Leaving my fan on cools the room.”
Reality: Fans cool people not rooms. To be more specific, fans move air over your skin, drying up sweat and making you feel cooler. So, leaving the fan on when nobody is around is literally doing nothing…well, except for costing you money.
PSO Pro Tip: Turn off the fan when you leave the room. For maximum savings, turn your A/C up a few degrees higher than you would normally and run the fan counter-clockwise (but only when you’re in the room, of course).
Myth #4: “Bigger is better when it comes to my A/C.”
Reality: Oklahoma summers are no joke, however this myth has to be. Oversized A/Cs cool the space too quickly, meaning it won’t stay on long enough to dehumidify your room. As every Oklahoman knows, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” so leaving humidity in the space is uncomfortable and inefficient.
PSO Pro Tip: Hire an HVAC contractor to find the right-sized A/C for your space — and get huge rebates on an ENERGY STAR air conditioner from us!
Consider these four myths busted! Now boost your energy savings with more tips, tricks, and rebates from us!