The search for more economical and sustainable practices has led many people to rethink their energy use and adopt energy efficiency practices. However, among the well-intentioned advice and tips, there can also be some misinformation.

Check out some myths and truths about energy efficiency below to understand what can really make a difference to consumption and how to contribute to more conscious actions.

Energy efficiency helps preserve natural resources

True. Consuming energy consciously not only reduces costs, but also helps to preserve natural resources such as water, which is used to generate electricity. When waste is avoided and energy use is optimized, the pressure on these limited resources is also reduced.

Using efficient appliances already solves the consumption problem

False. While it's true that more modern and efficient appliances (that have the procel label) consume less energy, this doesn't mean that they alone will guarantee a significant reduction in the bill. Consumption habits are just as important.

Energy efficiency practices reduce electricity bills

True. More efficient energy consumption is directly reflected in energy bills. This is because they help prevent waste and, when added together, generate savings that make a difference to the budget.

Appliances in "stand by" mode don't use energy

False. Leaving electronic devices such as TVs and computers in standby mode may seem like a way of saving money, but in fact they continue to consume energy, albeit in smaller quantities. The ideal is to unplug electronics when they are not being used for a long period, for safety and to reduce energy costs

LED lamps are more economical

True. LED bulbs represent a significant change in energy savings compared to incandescent bulbs, consuming up to 80% less energy. What's more, LED bulbs last much longer, which means they don't need to be replaced as often, generating both energy and financial savings.

Using the washing machine with incomplete load saves energy

False. Washing small amounts of laundry may seem economical, but it's really not. The washing machine consumes practically the same amount of energy whether you wash a little or a lot of laundry. The ideal is to accumulate as many clothes as possible in order to wash them all at once.

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Painting the roof white helps with energy efficiency

True. A white roof or one with materials that reflect sunlight is a great way to improve energy efficiency in hot environments. The color reflects most of the sun's radiation, helping to keep the temperature inside the house lower. This reduces the need for air conditioning and fans. Also, remember that leaving the windows open to let in the sunlight helps even more to have a brighter environment without wasting energy.

Increasing the temperature of the electric shower reduces consumption

False. In the case of electric showers, the higher the temperature, the more energy the appliance uses to heat the water. Reducing the temperature to a moderate range is an efficient way to reduce energy consumption while showering.

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Opening the fridge frequently increases energy consumption

True. Every time the fridge door is opened, the cold air inside escapes, and the motor has to work harder to restore the ideal temperature. This constant cooling process increases energy consumption. Another way to help save energy is to always check the seals on your fridge, so as not to space out the cold air, and not to dry clothes behind the fridge, as this makes the motor hotter and therefore uses more energy.
 

Using a fan instead of air conditioning is always more economical

False. Although fans consume less energy in general, they don't necessarily cool the room, but only move the air around, creating the sensation of freshness. On very hot days, prolonged use of fans may not be enough to cool the space and people end up using the appliance for long periods.