Helping Customers Maximize Energy Efficiency by Revealing the Top Energy Saving Myths
14 Julho 2022 - 3:17PM
Business Wire
Three Energy Saving Myths Debunked to Enhance
Energy Efficiency this Summer
The prolonged extreme heat of the summer can increase energy
bills, which is why Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
makes helping customers reduce costs a priority. There are simple
steps, free tools, and programs to minimize the impact of summer
heat on energy bills. Unfortunately, common misconceptions about
efficiency can not only increase energy use but end up costing
customers money.
Three Summer Energy Saving Myths
- Myth: Setting the thermostat lower will cool a home
faster Fact: The cooling system provides cooler air at its
maximum power when it is first turned on. So, setting the
temperature lower will have little or no effect on how quickly a
home cools down.
- Set thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting, when
home. Three to five percent more energy is used for each degree the
air conditioner is set below 78 degrees.
- Take advantage of smart thermostats and programable features
when available. Enroll in PG&E’s Smart AC Program and receive
$120 off a new smart thermostat.
- Myth: Leaving fans on when away will keep the home cool
Fact: Fans move air, they don’t cool it. Leaving fans on when away
from the house won’t keep the house cool.
- Ceiling fans help cool down people by evaporating sweat from
the body. Individuals stay cooler when a ceiling fan is in
operation, not the room.
- Myth: Closing vents will save energy Fact: Though it
seems closing vents (registers) in unused rooms could save energy,
it requires the system to work harder, use more energy and wear out
faster. Closing vents puts backpressure on the ducts being closed
which can increase duct leakage.
- Additionally, closing registers causes a pressure imbalance
inside your home which draws in unwanted outside air through holes
and cracks causing the system to run longer to cool the home.
To improve energy efficiency in your home here are steps to
avoid bill surprises as the mercury rises.
- Pre-cool the home: Use the air conditioner at the start
of the morning or overnight.
- Unplug small appliances and electronics, like coffee
makers and printers when not in use
- Change air filters regularly: A dirty air filter makes
the AC system work harder, which uses more energy.
- Close window coverings: Keep blinds, drapes, and
curtains closed to help prevent the sun’s rays from heating the
home.
- Avoid using the oven on hot days: Instead, cook on the
stove, use a microwave or grill outside.
Customers can also enroll in Bill Forecast Alerts allowing
PG&E to send notifications by email, text or phone if the
energy bill is expected to exceed an amount set by you. This free
and easy tool helps customers better manage their monthly energy
bill and gives them time to reduce their home’s energy use before
the next statement arrives. Other programs include Medical Baseline
offering a lower monthly rate for customers with certain medical
conditions and Budget Billing averaging out energy costs for more
predictable monthly payments.
Additionally, eligible customers may be able to sign up for
income-qualified programs offering a monthly discount including the
California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) and the Family
Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Programs. Some customers may also
qualify for the Energy Saving Assistance Program offering free
improvements to make the home more efficient, safe and
comfortable.
For more tips on how to save this summer, visit
www.pge.com/summer.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E
Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric
utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square
miles in Northern and Central California. For more information,
visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
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