Worrying news about extremely high energy prices this winter is putting more and more pressure on families. Therefore, it is good not to get carried away by all the “myths” and focus on really effective methods.

“Machine washing dishes is more expensive than hand washing”

However, there is no universal answer as to which method is more convenient. The consumption of water and electricity by the machine depends on several factors – the energy efficiency of the device, the selected program and the degree of loading.

So the advice is to be economical in the method you are going to use.

Choose the “eco” program for the machine, wait for it to fill to the maximum and do not waste water on pre-washing.

When washing dishes by hand, it is better to rinse them first. And use a sink with a closed stopper so you don’t waste water.

“A full boiler does not waste money”

This is a mistake – any amount of unnecessarily heated water costs money. Therefore, it is good to heat as much water as you need. And most electric mugs have graduations that show how much to fill them, depending on how much tea or coffee you want to make.

“Devices do not consume energy when they are not working”

Even when not in use, a plugged-in appliance consumes energy, so it costs money. For example, the TV is always ready to receive a signal from the remote control.

“The thermostat set to a higher temperature will heat up the house faster”

Nothing, it will not affect the heating rate. After setting 20 degrees, the heater will work until the required temperature is reached.

If you change the setting to 25 degrees to heat “faster”, the boiler will still run at capacity and the time to reach 20 degrees will be the same. The heating will be turned off only when it reaches 25 degrees at home, and you probably won’t need this temperature.

“Setting a lower temperature all day saves money”

There is no clear answer here either. Most experts will say that the insulation of the house is more important for energy saving. Obviously, the more heat is lost, the more expensive the heating will be.

But others will say that the heating must be maintained constantly. Otherwise, there is a risk of condensation, which can lead to inconvenience and increased costs in the long run.

“Smart meters do not save money”

That’s right, modern meters do not save money by themselves. But they can give you an ongoing picture of your energy usage over time, so you’ll know when you’ve used more and why. And they allow billing for actual consumption, which is becoming an increasingly pressing issue.

“Cooking in the oven is the cheapest”

Research shows that the microwave oven is the most efficient way to cook food. For example, a few years ago, Americans estimated that operating an oven for an hour a day cost $5 a month, and a microwave only $1. Prices have increased significantly, but the ratio is holding.

But there are other methods if you don’t have a microwave. It can be cooked in large quantities or in appropriately sized pans with lids.

Sources:Mirror, direct energy