There are a lot of myths floating around out there about energy efficiency in the home. Sometimes, ideas are held by so many people over such a long period of time that nobody questions them, or even gives them a second thought. Many times these common concepts may have been true in the past, but now are simply outdated. Myths about energy efficiency and energy use can actually lead to increased energy bills, reduced comfort, and unnecessary work, like unneeded maintenance. Brock Doors and Windows have outlined the 5 most common home energy myths so you can make sure they aren’t costing you.
Energy Efficient Myth # 1 Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency are different terms for the same thing. This is a very widespread misconception. To clear things up, efficiency means “using less energy to do the same thing”. For instance, CFL bulbs can provide your home with light more efficiently than regular incandescent bulbs. Conservation, on the other hand, is reducing your need for energy by changing your behavior. An example of changing your behavior could be turning your thermostat to a lower setting.
Energy Efficient Myth # 2 Setting your thermostat to a higher or lower setting will heat or cool your home faster. Did you know that air conditioning units and furnaces work at the same speed, regardless of their thermostat setting? In reality, you may be wasting more energy than you think, as your system continues running towards the further set point.
Energy Efficient Myth # 3 When you turn an appliance off, it doesn’t use power anymore. In fact, the opposite is true. Many electronics and appliances continue to use power even after they have been switched off. Sometimes, they use just as much power when they are off as when they are turned on. If you really want to save power while not using your appliances, it’s always best just to unplug them.
Energy Efficient Myth # 4 Leaving your lights on wastes less energy than switching them off and on. Normally, the tiny power surge from turning a light on will use much less energy than you do when you leave the lights on. So, if you aren’t using a light, even if you are just leaving the room for a minute, turn it off.
Energy Efficient Myth # 5 Keeping old windows will save you more money than replacing them. This myth could not be further from the truth. If your windows are 15 years old or older, you may be experiencing leaking, drafts, sticky windows, and worst of all, increasing energy bills. New replacement windows are equipped with special glazes and glass coatings which will keep the UV rays outside your home, and hold the nice temperatures in all year round. Not only that, they also require very little time maintenance, and they will remain durable and productive for years to come. As you can see, keeping your old windows will actually cost you much more energy and money than investing in new replacement windows for your Brampton home. Replacement windows are an excellent investment, and one that will start benefiting you right away. The professionals here at Brock Doors and Windows have been helping Brampton homeowners just like you with quality installations for over 26 years. Give us a call today and we would be delighted to set up a time for your free consultation.
Brock Doors and Windows Brampton showroom:
(905)791-2850
278 Orenda Rd. Brampton, ON L6T4X6 Canada
