Smart homeowners are always looking for ways to lower their electricity bills – which in turn helps them save money while also helping the environment. However, some of these ways don’t really work and can end up costing you more money.

These are some of the misconceptions about saving energy in the home.

#1: Energy saving lamps are too expensive

According to Dan Mock, vice president of operations at Mister Sparky, light bulbs are actually more expensive in the store than they used to be. “Due to government regulations, traditional, cheap incandescent bulbs have almost completely disappeared from the market and have been replaced by alternatives like compact fluorescent bulbs, LEDs and halogen bulbs, all of which are more expensive.” However, according to Mock, these modern bulbs use much less electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs, so you actually save money in the long run.

In an average U.S. household, about 15% of electricity consumption is for lighting. According to Energy.gov, switching to LEDs could save $225 annually in energy costs.

#2: Washing dishes by hand is more efficient than running the dishwasher

Although I prefer to wash dishes by hand, I don’t think it saves me money. I’m impatient and usually only have one or two plates, so it’s more convenient to wash them by hand (plus, I actually like washing dishes). However, an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher can save an average of over 8,000 gallons of water per year—especially if you load it properly and skip pre-rinsing dishes in the sink. And if you have an old dishwasher, consider this: An ENERGY STAR-certified model uses 12% less energy and 30% less water than your old appliance.

#3: Weather protection is for old houses

If you have a newer home, you may think it doesn’t need to be weatherproofed. “Homeowners often overlook the importance of weatherproofing (improvements that improve a home’s energy efficiency), especially when there are no signs of leaks,” says DR Richardson, co-founder of Elephant Energy. But regardless of your home’s age, he tells me, weatherproofing is critical to minimizing leaks so you can avoid the unnecessary costs of “heating the neighborhood,” which means letting your conditioned air escape your home through doors, windows, etc. “In fact, it’s estimated that about 25% of heat loss in homes is due to inefficient building infrastructure and leaks,” says Richardson.

Sometimes there are warning signs, like the house is drafty, temperatures vary in different rooms, or your energy bills are high. But Richardson says it’s entirely possible you won’t notice any problems. “By conducting an energy audit, you can identify problems with your heating, cooling, insulation, sealing, etc., and use that to determine which energy efficiency improvements will have the greatest impact,” he says.

#4: I only have to think about attic insulation in winter

Attic insulation is actually important during the cold winter months, but Michael DiMartino, senior vice president of installations at Power Home Remodeling, tells me it’s important in the summer too, since your attic is primarily where your HVAC system is housed.

“Without insulation, all the hot air that collects in your attic will escape through cracks you didn’t know about. As a result, your HVAC system will have to work harder to keep temperatures stable in the rest of your home.” Adding insulation improves airflow, and he says this will help your HVAC system last longer and prevent major problems. — such as mold and rotting wood — from the development.

#5: I do not have to turn off computers and other electronic devices when they are not in use

“Most computers, televisions and other modern electronic devices go into sleep or hibernation mode when they have not been used for a while,” says Mock. However, he explains that hibernation is not the same as a complete shutdown. If you leave a computer in sleep mode, it will still use power, according to Mock. — and electronics are subject to small but cumulative wear and tear. “Save electricity and extend the life of your devices by turning them off and unplugging them when you don’t need to use them for several hours,” he advises.

#6: Heat pumps don’t work in cold climates

Despite any misconceptions, Richardson says heat pumps work in cold climates. While he acknowledges that they may not be enough for winter in the coldest regions, he says heat pump technology has made great strides in the past decade and there are now models guaranteed to work down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

“We have installed hundreds of air source heat pumps in cold climates throughout the Front Range in Colorado and the greater Boston area, and heat pumps — and water heaters with heat pump, as far as that is concerned — “They can handle both cold and heat,” Richardson explains. And he says heat pumps have also proven to be an effective solution in states like Alaska and Maine.

However, you need to buy a heat pump that is designed for cold climates and is the right size. “If the system is too big for the house, that will result in additional costs up front; if the system is too small, it may not be able to keep up on the coldest days,” says Richardson.

#7: If I set the air conditioning to cold, my house cools down faster

If you go home and set the air conditioner to the coldest setting in the summer or the warmest setting in the winter, the house will not reach the desired temperature any faster. “Your air conditioner will always cool at the same rate, regardless of how hard it has to work to reach the temperature of your thermostat,” Mock explains. — and the same theory applies to heat. “So if you set the control to the lowest setting, you won’t cool down any faster, but you’ll waste electricity once the machine gets to the temperature you want, and you’ll continue to cool the house down,” he warns. Investing in a smart thermostat is one way to reduce cooling costs in the summer.

#8: Only hot water cleans my laundry

Heating your water accounts for 18% of your electric bill and is the second largest energy cost. On average, U.S. households use 25 gallons of hot water for the washing machine alone. However, most clothes can be washed in cold water, which not only saves money but also helps keep your clothes looking newer longer, as warm and hot water can speed up shrinkage and fading. There are also cold water detergents specifically designed for regular or high-efficiency (HE) washing machines.

For heavily soiled laundry, towels and bedding, hot water may be more appropriate, but for everything else, consider cold water to save energy and money.

#9: Solar energy is not an option for me

It’s true that solar panels perform best in climates with plenty of clear, sunny days, but Mock says homes in cloudy or rainy regions of the country can also benefit. “Fog and clouds block some of the sun’s energy, but not all of it, so residents of notoriously weather-unfriendly cities like Seattle and San Francisco can still get good results by installing a solar system on their roofs.”

Additionally, you may think your home isn’t compatible with solar roof panels. “For example, you may think your roof won’t be able to withstand the installation of a solar system because of its age and condition,” says DiMartino. He admits the roof needs to be in good condition, but says it doesn’t have to be brand new.

Even if you rent your home, you may be able to benefit from using solar energy. “Community solar allows renters and homeowners to easily sign up with a local solar farm and receive rebates on their electric bill,” says Bruce Stewert, CEO of Perch Energy. He says it’s free to join and will help you save between 5% and 20% per year. “This is an easy-to-implement step that opens up the opportunity to save for everyone, regardless of ownership status.”