5 Home Energy Myths [Infographic]

People have a lot of questions about relatively new trends, and eco-friendly building is no exception. What’s the difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency? Isn’t an energy efficiency makeover always more expensive? How could upgrading my home make a real difference? These questions all illustrate some of the many assumptions people make about energy efficiency before they’ve learned the facts. The infographic below provides the perfect source for straightening out common home energy myths. A lot of the info aligns perfectly with our very own Top 10 Myths About Green Home Remodeling, including:

It’s not always expensive. Smaller projects, like switching out light bulbs and appliances for energy-efficient alternatives, come with a more digestible price tag. Even large projects, like upgrading your home’s HVAC system, are often accompanied by tax incentives and rebates to help lower the cost. The Energy Investment Tax Credit, also called the Solar Investment Tax Credit, provides a 30% federal tax credit for residential solar power systems. And going green means using resources, like water and electricity, more efficiently — which means saving money on monthly bills. Efficiency projects often pay for themselves in the long run, or sometimes in just a few short years. For example, according to the U.S. Green Building Council, the average home demands around $2,150 each year for energy bills; in contrast, LEED homes can save anywhere from 30 to 60 percent. Over ten years, that’s a savings of nearly $14,000!

Upgrading your home can, and will, make a difference. As Homeselfe‘s infographic explains, if everyone in the U.S. switched to energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs by the year 2027, it would mean savings of millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions, as well as billions of dollars. And, if there’s one thing we know, it’s that green building is not just a fad. Why not be a part of the movement?