I am trying to be energy conscious in these modern times of global warming etc and I have taken to turning lights off in a room when I leave it and turning them back on when I come back in. However I have been told by two seperate people that If I am turning them off and on too frequently that it actually wastes electricity rather than conserves it. Is this so?
2007-02-02 09:23:34 · 8 answers · asked by Jonathan 2 in Environment
no not unless u leave and return to the room in less than a second yur conserving energy by turning them on and off i saw it on mythbusters
2007-02-02 09:32:02 · answer #1 · answered by munkiluvrmp 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Light bulb life (and fluorescent tube life, for that matter) is better measured by the number of switching operations it can endure, rather than the number of hours it will last if run continuously. Better yet would be a combination of the two measures.
Usually this argument is applied to cost efficiency rather than energy efficiency. It CAN be shown that there is a break-over cost between running a light continuously and frequent switching. By extension, it can probably be shown that there is also a break-over in energy requirements alone, more so for fluorescent than incandescents because of their higher cost of manufacture.
During the energy crisis of the '70's studies of this subject done by responsible people were published in trade journals. The consensus at the time was that if you plan to reenter a room in less than 30 minutes it is cheaper to leave the light on than to turn it off and turn it back on. For energy balance (leaving out profits) the frequency of operation would have to be much shorter.
2007-02-02 10:08:57 · answer #2 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it can actually use more electricity, depending on the type of bulb you are dealing with. Fluorescent bulbs use more energy to start them than to operate them. Incandescent bulbs work by a direct short heating a mono-filament wire. Although, turning off incandescent bulbs will save electricity, it shortens the lifespan of the wire through mechanical stress.
2007-02-02 09:54:51 · answer #3 · answered by Jewelmaker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, to conserve energy, change your light bulbs. Either switch over to florescent bulbs, or lower watt bulbs.
Second, open your window blinds. Try to use as much "natural" light as is possible.
Third, Only use the light when you need it. If you aren't in the room, why have it on?
Forth, there are MANY ways to conserve ALL SORTS of energy and natural resources:
~ In the winter set your heat at 70 degrees, instead of 72. (If that's where you are comfortable. 2 degrees is a LOT of savings.
~ Check your doors and windows for drafts. If cold air is getting in, war air is getting out. You should update your insulation and what-not around your doors and windows.
~ Does your sink(s) tubs, showers, and toilets have problems dripping after use? Repair that, and you can save HUNDREDS of gallons of water every year.
You can find lots of more suggestions on the web.
2007-02-02 09:32:50 · answer #4 · answered by ICG 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I doubt seriously that turning lights off and on wastes more electricity, even if you do it hundreds of times a day.
You may want to explore energy efficient bulbs as well, so that less energy is wasted when you accidentally forget to turn one off now and then.
It just sounds like typical excuses people give to avoid changing even the smallest wasteful habit; turning lights on and off is NOT the same as starting and turning off a car.
2007-02-02 09:29:44 · answer #5 · answered by nora22000 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if you're talking regular incandescent bulbs, yes, if you leave for 1 swcond, turn them off.
If you're talking flourescent, in most cases leaving for just a minute or two uses more energy to burn them than to turn off and back on.
There are some industrial lights that should be left on all day, but nothing in your home.
2007-02-02 09:27:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm no electrician but I do know when you start your vehicle that is the time it uses the most fuel, so I guess that can go with lights to an extent...
2007-02-02 09:29:29 · answer #7 · answered by jarrow t 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-03 09:11:24 · answer #8 · answered by kuebler 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋