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Does An Empty Refrigerator Consume Less Energy? Discover 8 Myths About Electric Power Savings That Still Deceive Brazilians and Don’t Reduce the Electricity Bill

Written by Ruth Rodrigues
Published on 10/07/2025 at 09:36
Descubra os 8 mitos mais comuns sobre economia de energia elétrica e saiba por que essas práticas não ajudam de verdade a baixar sua conta de luz.
Descubra os 8 mitos mais comuns sobre economia de energia elétrica e saiba por que essas práticas não ajudam de verdade a baixar sua conta de luz.
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Discover The 8 Most Common Myths About Electrical Energy Savings And Find Out Why These Practices Don’t Really Help Lower Your Electric Bill.

When it comes to reducing the electric bill, Brazilians resort to all kinds of tips. But do these practices really work? Often, what seems like a solution to save energy is, in fact, a myth.

With the rising rates and the growing weight of electricity in the household budget, it is natural to seek alternatives to save. However, one must be cautious of the information circulating out there.

Next, we clarify eight very popular beliefs that, despite being well-intentioned, are nothing but myths — and can even produce the opposite effect than expected.

An Empty Refrigerator Consumes Less Energy: Really?

Many people believe that keeping the refrigerator empty helps to save electricity. But the truth is the opposite.

When the inside of the refrigerator has few items, there is less thermal mass, which means less “help” to keep the internal temperature constant. This causes the refrigerator’s motor to run more often, consuming more energy to maintain cooling.

The tip is simple: always keep some bottles of water or food inside to stabilize the temperature.

Does 220V Use Less Electricity?

This is another widely spread myth. The savings on electricity are not related to voltage, but to the power of the devices and the time they operate.

The difference between 220V and 110V lies only in the electrical current needed to operate the devices. The final consumption, measured in watts (W), will be the same.

Therefore, changing the voltage of your home will not make a difference on your bill.

Do LED Bulbs Not Make That Much Difference?

Actually, they do. LED bulbs are extremely efficient. They consume up to 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.

This type of lighting brings benefits both in monthly consumption and the need for frequent replacements. It’s an investment that is truly worth it.

Do Standby Devices Consume Energy?

Yes, but with a caveat. The consumption of devices in standby mode is low when considering just one or two devices.

However, if we add up televisions, microwaves, gaming consoles, speakers, and computers that are always plugged in, the impact on the bill can be significant.

Unplugging devices that are not in use can lead to considerable savings at the end of the month.

The Location Where The Air Conditioner Is Installed Does Not Influence?

Another common mistake. The position of the air conditioner is crucial for the device’s efficiency.

When installed in locations with direct sun exposure or blocked air outlets, the system has to work harder to cool the environment. Ideally, it should be placed in shaded and unobstructed areas to ensure proper functioning and reduce consumption.

Does Using A Power Strip Increase Energy Consumption?

Myth. The use of multiple outlets or power strips does not directly interfere with consumption. What truly matters is the number and type of devices connected simultaneously.

The greater risk lies in using low-quality power strips that may cause electrical leakage and generate waste. Always prefer certified models.

Do Bottles Of Water On Top Of The Meter Save Energy?

This is one of the most curious — and false — beliefs. Some people think placing bottles of water over the energy meter reduces consumption, but this has no technical basis.

The equipment is shielded, calibrated, and does not suffer external interference of this kind. Furthermore, attempting to manipulate the meter is illegal and can lead to severe penalties.

Do Clean Fixtures Reduce Spending?

This idea is also incorrect. Regularly cleaning bulbs and fixtures improves the brightness of the rooms, but does not affect the amount of energy consumed.

What happens is that a dirty fixture can reduce the lighting, which may lead someone to turn on more lights or increase wattage.

Thus, cleaning ensures better light utilization, but does not directly reduce electrical consumption.

With information from Olhar Digital.

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Ruth Rodrigues

Formada em Ciências Biológicas pela Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), atua como redatora e divulgadora científica.

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