Do you see your energy bills rising even if you’ve implemented up to three projects to save energy? In the first of our two-part Q&A with an expert on consumer attitudes toward energy efficiency, we look at the energy-saving truths many of us ignore. Hint: Replacing windows isn’t your best bet. Many of us are making the wrong judgment calls about how to save energy. Here’s why we’re having a disconnect. Why are we using more energy now — what are the main culprits? Several things. We simply have more stuff plugged in now than we did five or 10 years ago — Xboxes, electronics chargers, iPads — and some of those things are energy hogs. Plasma TVs use as much energy as a refrigerator. They’re getting more efficient now, but if you had the old square CRT and replaced it with a flat-screen plasma, you’re instantly paying the utility much more than you did before. People are buying an Energy Star refrigerator, but then putting the old one in the garage as an overflow or meat fridge. Unplugig these extra appliances can cut your energy bill in half experts say…Well I have not seen that much; however, a year ago I started turning the power strips off at night, and unplugging the TV’s in the bedrooms that the kids no longer occupy. I’ve seen a difference!   (Houselogic 1/24/12)

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