Every year, April Fools’ Day reminds us how easy it is to fall for misleading claims—and energy-saving myths are no exception. Plenty of so-called “tricks” for cutting electricity costs sound convincing but don’t actually work. Some can even lead to higher bills instead of savings. To help you avoid falling for bad advice, we’re breaking down some of the most common energy myths and what really works.
Myth #1: Leaving the Lights On Uses Less Energy Than Turning Them Off
Some people believe that frequently turning lights on and off uses more energy than just leaving them on. The idea is that the small surge of power needed to turn a light back on is greater than the energy used while it remains on.
The Truth…
Modern LED and CFL bulbs are designed to be turned on and off without wasting excess power. Any tiny surge when flipping a switch is minimal compared to the energy wasted by leaving lights on in an empty room. The best practice? Turn off lights whenever they’re not needed.
If you frequently forget, install motion sensors or timers to ensure lights shut off when not in use.
Myth #2: Ceiling Fans Cool the Room
Many people run ceiling fans all day in an effort to keep rooms cool, believing they lower the temperature just like an air conditioner.
The Truth…
Ceiling fans don’t cool a room—they move air around, which makes people feel cooler by increasing evaporation on the skin. If no one is in the room, running a fan is just wasted energy.
- Use ceiling fans only when the room is occupied and turn them off when you leave.
- In warm months, set your fan to rotate counterclockwise to push air downward for a cooling effect.
Myth #3: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy
It seems logical—if you close air vents in rooms you don’t use, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard, right?
The Truth…
Closing vents can actually increase strain on your system by disrupting airflow. Your HVAC unit is designed to work with balanced airflow, and blocking vents forces the system to work harder, potentially leading to higher energy use and unnecessary wear.
Instead of closing vents, consider adjusting the thermostat slightly or using zoned heating and cooling if your system allows for it.
Myth #4: Running Appliances at Night Saves Money
Many people assume that running dishwashers, washing machines, or other large appliances at night automatically saves money.
The Truth…
The time of day only matters if your electricity plan has time-of-use pricing, where rates vary based on demand. If you’re on a standard fixed-rate plan, you’ll pay the same amount for electricity whether you run your dishwasher at noon or midnight.
- Check your energy plan—if you have a time-based pricing plan, running appliances at off-peak hours can save money.
- Regardless of time, always run full loads to avoid wasting electricity and water.
Myth #5: The Higher You Set the Thermostat, the Faster Your Home Heats Up
Cold outside? Many people crank up the thermostat thinking it will heat their home faster.
The Truth…
Your heating system works at the same pace regardless of how high the thermostat is set. If you set it to 80°F when you really want 70°F, your system will just keep running longer—using more energy than necessary.
Set your thermostat to your actual desired temperature—it will warm up just as quickly without wasting energy.
Myth #6: Energy-Efficient Appliances Don’t Make a Big Difference
Some believe that upgrading to energy-efficient appliances isn’t worth it since they don’t save that much energy.
The Truth…
Modern ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances use significantly less electricity and water than older models. For example, an energy-efficient refrigerator can use 40% less energy than one built 15 years ago. If you have older appliances, replacing them with energy-efficient models can lead to noticeable savings over time.
Myth #7: Electronics Don’t Use Power When Turned Off
If a device is off, it’s not drawing electricity—right?
The Truth:
Many devices continue to draw small amounts of power even when switched off. This is called phantom load or standby power, and it can add up over time. Unplug chargers, gaming consoles, and other electronics when not in use, or use a smart power strip to cut power completely.
This April Fools’ Day, don’t get tricked by energy-saving myths that don’t hold up. The best way to reduce electricity costs is through smart habits, efficient appliances, and knowing how your home’s systems really work.
At NextVolt Energy, we believe in keeping things clear and simple—so you can make informed choices about your electricity use without falling for bad advice. Stay smart, stay efficient, and let the facts—not the myths—guide your energy decisions.