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Energy myth busters: 7 energy-saving myths Australians still debate
There's a lot of conflicting energy-saving advice out there, so that's why we’re putting some of Australia’s most common energy-saving myths to the test.
When it comes to saving energy, everyone seems to have an opinion.
One podcaster swears by turning everything off at the wall. Another insists it’s cheaper to leave the heater running all day. Meanwhile, people on social media are busy debating whether washing clothes in cold water actually works.
With so much conflicting advice out there, it’s no wonder saving energy can feel confusing.
To separate fact from fiction, we’re putting some of Australia’s most common energy-saving myths to the test.
Is it cheaper to leave the heater on all day?
Verdict: generally, no
This is probably one of Australia’s most debated winter energy questions.
The theory sounds reasonable: surely it takes more energy to heat a cold home than it does to keep it warm all day?
However, heating systems continue using energy while they operate and maintain the selected temperature. Australian Government guidancerecommends setting heating around your schedule and turning it off overnight and when you’re away from home.
The takeaway: If nobody is home, leaving the heater running continuously is generally unlikely to be the most energy-efficient approach.
Sources and further reading
Is running appliances at night always cheaper?
Verdict: it depends
This is one of those energy saving tips that’s sometimes true and sometimes not.
Whether it costs less to run your dishwasher, washing machine or dryer at night depends on your tariff. A single-rate tariff charges the same usage rate regardless of the time of day, while a time-of-use tariff applies different rates during peak, shoulder and off-peak periods.
The takeaway: Running appliances at night is not automatically cheaper. Check your tariff and the applicable time periods first.
Sources and further reading
Does turning appliances off at the wall save electricity?
Verdict: true
Many appliances continue drawing a small amount of electricity while in standby mode. Australian Government guidance recommends turning appliances off at the power point when they’re not in use.
Think televisions, gaming consoles, sound systems and other electronics waiting for their next use.
A single appliance may not make a noticeable difference, but several devices drawing standby power over time can add up.
The takeaway: Turning appliances off at the wall can reduce standby energy use, particularly for devices that aren’t used regularly.
Sources and further reading
- Australian Government winter energy-saving guidance
- How much is leaving appliances on standby adding to your electricity bill
Do you really need hot water to get clothes clean?
Verdict: myth (with a few exceptions)
This one has been hanging around the laundry for decades.
Hot washes still have their place for certain fabrics, heavily soiled items or where garment-care instructions specify them. However, NSW Government energy guidance recommends cold-water washing as an energy-saving option, and many everyday loads can be washed in cold water using a suitable detergent and cycle.
Using cold water also avoids the energy required to heat water for the wash.
The takeaway: For many everyday loads, a cold wash can be effective and use less energy. Always follow the detergent instructions and clothing-care labels.
Source: NSW Government guidance on energy-efficient washing machines and dryers
Do LED lights really save energy?
Verdict: true
This one almost sounds too simple to be true.
LED bulbs use less electricity than older halogen bulbs and generally last longer. Australian Government household guidance identifies lighting as an area where changes in technology and habits can produce relatively quick efficiency gains.
The takeaway: Replacing older halogen bulbs with LEDs can reduce lighting energy use without changing how often you use your lights.
Sources and further reading
Does closing off unused rooms always save energy?
Verdict: it depends
This advice gets shared a lot, but there isn’t a universal answer. Closing doors to unused rooms can reduce the area being heated or cooled, and Australian Government guidance recommends only heating or cooling the rooms being used.
However, heating and cooling systems differ. Before closing or adjusting vents, check the manufacturer’s guidance for your system or seek qualified advice.
The takeaway: Closing doors to unused rooms may help, but do not assume every vented or ducted system should be adjusted in the same way.
Sources and further reading
Is it okay to run the air conditioner with the windows open?
Verdict: usually not, with one important exception
Let’s be honest. Most of us have done it.
For most refrigerated and reverse-cycle air conditioners, opening windows allows cooled air to escape and warmer outdoor air to enter. This can make it harder for the system to maintain the selected indoor temperature.
It can be a little like trying to fill a bath while the plug is out.
Australian Government guidance recommends heating or cooling a room with the windows closed, except when using an evaporative air cooler, which requires airflow through the home.
Natural ventilation can also be useful when the air conditioner is switched off and outdoor conditions are cooler. Victorian Government guidance recommends turning the air conditioner off before opening doors and windows to let cooler outdoor air in.
The takeaway: Keep windows and doors closed when using most refrigerated or reverse-cycle air conditioners. If you have evaporative cooling, follow the manufacturer’s ventilation instructions.
Sources and further reading
- Australian Government window and ventilation guidance
- Victorian Government summer energy-saving tips
- Five tips to an energy-smart home
So, what's the biggest energy-saving myth?
The biggest myth overall is that there’s a simple answer to every energy-saving question.
As you’ve probably noticed, some myths are busted, some are true and some fall into the “it depends” category.
The good news? You don’t need to have all the answers. Understanding the basics is often enough to cut through the noise and make more informed energy decisions, which will in turn may help you to reduce your energy consumption and potentially your lower energy costs over time, depending on your circumstances.
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