For Organisations
Energy facts and fantasies
Find out the truth about common energy myths regarding:
Lighting
MYTH: Fluorescent lights use so much energy when starting that it is better to leave fluorescent lights on to saves energy
Fact: No its not!!
Fluorescent lamps actually do have a high start up current, but only for a fraction of a second. The first few seconds lamps are off will save the energy used in start up. So you should turn them off if you leave the room for more than 5 minutes. This is a very simple way to save energy.
This myth was even busted in Episode 69 of the popular television show 'Mythbusters'.
MYTH: Switching fluorescent lamps on and off shorten their lives
Fact: Yes, but it is a minor issue
Switching all types of lamps on and off will shorten their lives. Fluorescent lamps have a life of between 8,000 and 10,000 hours so the small amount of wear and tear is a minor issue.
Computers
MYTH: Screen savers save energy
Fact: No they dont
Screen savers can actually use more energy when activated than when a computer is idle. The best way to save energy is to turn computer monitors off when they are not in use either manually or by using Energy Star (click here to find out how to activate Energy Star on your computer)
MYTH: Turning computers off damages the hard drive
Fact: No it doesnt
Modern computers are designed to cope with many start-up cycles. Switching a computer off has no significant effect on life of the computer and may actually extend the its life. Also leaving computers on unattended is a security and fire risk.
Turning office computers off overnight and on weekends can save up to $105 for each computer.
Find out what a range of computer manufacturers and experts have to say about this myth.
Office Equipment
MYTH: Power save functions on office equipment save energy
Fact: No they dont
BSS measurements have found that photocopier and printer "power saving" functions save little energy. To really save energy turn them off manually at the end of the day or use a plug in 7 day time switch (they aren't expensive).
Appliances
MYTH: Appliances do not consume energy when turned off
Fact: Yes they do
Many appliances, such as computer equipment, stereo, televisions, mobile phone charges and microwaves use small amounts of energy even when turned off at the appliance. These small amounts of energy add up.
To prevent stand-by power loss turn appliances off at the power point when not in use.