Busting Myths About Energy Efficiency

Oct, 4 2013 01:10

There is a lot of information out there right now about energy efficiency. Information about who really supports it, who really benefits and how much it will cost. A lot of the information out there is wrong, and we’re here to bust those myths wide open.

1) MYTH: It’s only the Democrats who support energy efficiency.

FACT: Energy efficiency has always had the support of both Republicans and Democrats.

Though some people in the will have you believe that Republicans don’t care about the environment, the truth is that Republicans have often supported energy efficiency promotion and legislation alongside the Democrats.

President Reagan signed appliance efficiency standards into law in 1987. In 1992, President G.H.W. Bush legislated new efficiency standards lights, showerheads, electric motors and more. President G.W. Bush supported the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. And poll after poll shows support for energy efficiency from both those who identify as Republican and Democrat.

2) MYTH: Consumers will already be efficient, so you don’t have to promote energy efficiency

FACT: Promoting energy efficiency will cause more people to be efficient

Some think that people will automatically choose to be more energy efficient, so promoting energy efficiency is a waste of time. But the truth is that people don’t have perfect information, and as a result, people don’t just naturally choose efficiency. Promoting energy efficiency with correct information means that when it is time to build or replace something, people will chose the more energy efficient option. Even if it’s not the cheapest in the short term, they will do it because they will see the financial and social benefit in the long term.

3) MYTH: Being energy efficient results in higher costs

FACT: Energy efficiency results in bigger savings

Some people think that energy efficiency ends up costing more because they have to pay for things like insulation, triple-pane windows and more efficient appliances. The truth is that even though there is an up-front cost to becoming energy efficient, the long-term savings - both in terms of energy bills and environmental benefit – far outweigh the initial costs.

Energy efficiency has proven over and over again to have bipartisan support. It has been proven that efficiency increases when it is promoted and people have the right information. And we all know that energy efficiency saves money over time.

How can YOUR home become more energy efficient?

To find out how you can become more energy efficient – and have the benefits of a more efficient home work for you – call your local Building Energy Pros affiliate, or call Building Energy Pros at 1-800-309-6006 or visit us at www.buildingenergypros.com