The Truth Behind Common Energy Myths

Managing energy at home and understanding how your energy service works can be confusing, even if you’ve been a customer for years. From tips about saving energy to questions about the difference between an energy supplier and your local utility, it’s not always clear how your energy choices fit into the bigger picture.

By debunking common energy myths, you can feel more confident about how you use energy at home, better understand the role of energy suppliers like AEP Energy, and learn how informed energy choices can benefit your home.

5 Common Misconceptions About Saving Energy at Home

Myth #1: Cranking the thermostat heats or cools my home faster

It may feel like cranking the thermostat will speed things up, but your heating and cooling system doesn’t work that way. Setting an extreme temperature won’t cool or heat your home faster, it will just keep your HVAC system running longer to reach that setting, which can waste energy.

Instead, try using a programmable thermostat. You can adjust the temperature automatically when you’re away and bring your home back to a comfortable temperature before you return, helping avoid unnecessary energy use. If you’re an AEP Energy customer*, you can shop for smart and programmable thermostats in Reward Store.

Myth #2: Handwashing dishes saves water and energy

Handwashing dishes may seem more efficient, but for most households, it’s usually the opposite, especially if the water is running the entire time.

Modern dishwashers are designed to use less water and energy than washing dishes by hand. If you do wash dishes by hand, filling a sink or basin with soapy water is far more efficient than letting the faucet run.

Myth #3: Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy

Heating and cooling systems are designed to distribute air based on your home’s ductwork, not room by room. Closing vents can increase air pressure, throw the system off balance, and make it work harder than necessary. Instead of saving energy, it may reduce efficiency and place extra strain on your system.

Myth #4: Shorter appliance cycles always use less energy

Quick cycles can save time, but they don’t always save energy, water, or money. Many appliances use similar amounts of energy regardless of cycle length. Choosing the appropriate cycle for the load, rather than the shortest one, is often more effective in the long run.

Myth #5: Ceiling fans cool rooms

Fans can make a room feel more comfortable, but they don’t cool the air. They work by creating a breeze that helps your skin feel cooler, but once you leave the room, that benefit disappears.

Saving energy at home can help manage costs, but understanding your energy service is just as important. During times when energy costs are rising, one smart step homeowners can consider is enrolling with an energy supplier like AEP Energy. Energy suppliers can offer price stability and bring greater predictability to monthly energy costs.

Addressing a few common misconceptions about suppliers can bring you more clarity and confidence, especially when it comes to understanding your options.

5 Common Misconceptions About Choosing an Energy Supplier

Myth #1: An energy supplier is the same as the utility

An energy supplier provides the electricity or natural gas itself. Your local utility will continue to deliver the energy to your home, maintain equipment, read your meter, and restore power during outages. Switching to an energy supplier doesn’t replace your utility; it just affects the supply portion of your energy bill.

Myth #2: There are extra fees when switching to an energy supplier

There aren’t additional charges when selecting an energy supplier. What you may notice is a clearer breakdown on your energy bill. While the exact charges can vary by state, you’ll continue to receive one bill from your local utility, with supply listed as a separate line item.

If you’d like help understanding your bill, reviewing it line by line can be a helpful first step, or you can see how we break down each component here.

Myth #3: If I choose a supplier, they’re responsible for maintenance and restoring power

Your local utility will continue to handle power outages, system maintenance, and emergencies. If the power goes out or you smell gas, contact your local utility. You can confirm who your utility is by looking at your monthly energy bill, or by clicking here.

Myth #4: All energy suppliers offer the same thing

Each energy supplier has different offerings, including plan type, term length, renewable energy options, customer service experience, and added features like rewards programs and incentives. Comparing these details can help you choose an option that fits your household’s needs.

Myth #5: Switching to an energy supplier is complicated or risky

For many customers, reviewing energy plan options is straightforward and can be done online. Switching doesn’t cause service interruptions, and there’s no change in how energy is delivered to your home.

Choosing an energy supplier can also bring predictability to your energy costs, especially during times of uncertainty. Fixed‑rate plans offer consistency by locking in a price, helping to make monthly bills easier to anticipate.

Clarity That Leads to Smarter Energy Choices

The more you understand how energy works, both inside your home and behind the scenes, the easier it is to make confident decisions. By letting go of common myths and focusing on what really matters, you can better manage energy use and be more informed about your energy service.

Not an AEP Energy customer? Learning how energy suppliers work and what options are available will give you peace of mind and greater predictability when it comes to managing your energy costs. Explore available rates to protect your budget from higher bills.

*Please note, not all AEP Energy customers or price plans are eligible to earn Reward Dollars. Some exclusions apply.

AEP Energy does not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, freedom from error, or value of any information herein. The information presented is provided “as is”, “as available”, and for informational purposes only, speaks only to events or circumstances on or before the date it is presented, and should not be construed as advice, a recommendation, or a guarantee of future results. AEP Energy disclaims any and all liabilities and warranties related hereto, including any obligation to update or correct the information herein. Summaries and website links included herein (collectively, “Links”) are not under AEP Energy’s control and are provided for reference only and not for commercial purposes. AEP Energy does not endorse or approve of the Links or related information and does not provide any warranty of any kind or nature related thereto.