The title of a recent article in the New York Times
caught my eye last week: Energy Efficiency: Fact or Fiction? The article sets about debunking some common (small-scale) energy myths—is it
smarter to leave your computer in sleep mode or turn it off (the latter), is it
more efficient to drive around with a half tank of gas in your car (negligible),
should you hand wash those dishes—and it set me wondering about other energy
myths and misconceptions….
Specifically, what techniques or tools are being used or
avoided by large-scale energy users to increase energy efficiency, and how
effective are those methods? A little Internet research pulled up the following
examples:
* Yes, it’s true that Apollo 13 astronauts used duct tape to repair
damaged space equipment. But just because duct tape can withstand re-entry into
the earth’s atmosphere does not meant that it’s up to the task of repairing
faulty HVAC systems. That’s because duct tape does not adequately seal HVAC
joints and cannot withstand extreme changes in temperature. Instead of duct tape
for HVAC repairs, experts suggest sealing ducts and viscous sealants.
* While the idea that leaving fluorescent
lights aglow to save energy, even when the room is empty, has been around since
the 1970s, in reality—according to the Electric Power Research
Institute—all lights should be turned off in any space
left unoccupied for more than three minutes. Turning off those fluorescents in
an empty room (now even easier thanks to motion sensors) reduces lamp
replacement costs and—according to the Electric Power Research
Institute—saves save about $4 (based on 8 cents per
kilowatt-hour) in energy over the life of the lamp.
* In many offices, lights, computers, and other
appliances keeping working long after the workers have left the building. This
is based on the idea that idling appliances use less energy and last longer than
those that are turned on and off continually. Unfortunately, the reverse is
true: Less power is needed to turn a device on than to keep it running
continuously, and better design has addressed the impact of powering off cycling
appliances.
But this only scratches the surface. I’m sure there are many
more examples to be had, and I’d love to hear some first person accounts of
energy efficiency gone wrong. So drop me a line, tell me your story, and let’s
see if together we can’t correct some bad behavior and encourage informed energy
efficiency decisions.