Going green is not just a fad any more. It’s quickly becoming a common way of life, and for good reason: people want to protect the environment for the future of their children. However, as the trend gains popularity, misconceptions abound. Below are five popular myths about going green.
1. “Going green around the home is time-consuming, costly, and unrealistic.”
Making small changes around the home can result in a huge impact on not only the environment, but on your energy bills, too! Adding insulation and plugging up gaps and other leaks throughout the house is a simple and inexpensive way to make a change for the better.
2. “‘Recycling’ old appliances instead of buying new ones is green.”
Other than keeping waste out of the landfills, keeping old appliances isn’t always the greener (or cheaper) option. Old, outdated appliances use up to 70% more power than newer ones. In fact, appliances with Energy Star labels often result in savings of up to 90%. If you’re concerned with creating waste, many retailers will recycle old appliances for a fee.
3. “Instead of using a programmable thermostat to move the temperature up and down, keep the thermostat at a steady temperature.”
Air conditioners and furnaces use more energy over the long run to cycle on and off to maintain a specific temperature than they do to reach a desired setting from a programmable thermostat. Use a programmable thermostat to manage your home’s temperature and you will enjoy convenience and comfort.
4.”If a product says that it is ‘green’ on the packaging or advertising then it’s environmentally responsible.”
Unfortunately, companies often take advantage of consumers’ desire to be environmentally aware and often use terms like ‘natural,’ ‘green,’ and ‘organic,’ ‘eco-friendly’ to market to them. However, these terms don’t adhere to any governement regulation or standard, and don’t necessarily mean what customers often expect them to. Be sure to do your own research into products that you choose for their environmental benefits.
5. “Always turn the lights off when you leave a room.”
While this advice holds true for incandescent bulbs, most light modern light bulbs are actually compact flouresclent lights (CFLs). The more often you turn these on and off, the faster you wear out their components. If you plan to be out of the room for fifteen minutes or less, then it is actually cheaper to leave the lights on.
The professionals at Cox Air are happy to help you achieve and maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle. Contact our licensed professionals for all of your Clearwater, FL AC repair needs.
Image Courtesy of Creative Commons
