Whether it’s a high price, a lot of labor, or a design you don’t love, there are more than a few things that may have kept you from purchasing an awning in the past. However, you probably end up passing on or putting off the project not because an awning isn’t right for you, but because the wrong information has led you to believe so. Before you completely close the book on choosing one for your home or business, take a look at the five most common myths about awnings.

5. Awnings Aren’t Environmentally Friendly

While you might not have the impression that awnings are harmful to the environment, you probably weren’t aware of how environmentally friendly these installations are. Just by having an awning, you can reduce your cooling costs and lower the amount of energy used by your HVAC unit. By relying less on your air conditioning unit and more on natural sun protection, your home or business can stay comfortable without producing nearly as much carbon.

4. Awnings Cost Too Much Money

Sure, a high-quality awning project comes with a cost. However, the price of an awning for your home or business doesn’t have to break the bank, because you can choose the features that best fit your budget while providing the greatest possible benefits. For example, you can save a little money on the awning itself by opting for a more affordable option like a fixed design. Furthermore, just by having an awning, you’ll reap constant cost savings and cut your cooling expenses—which makes this investment well worth the price tag.

3. Awnings Rust and Fall Apart Easily

The most durable awnings are indeed made of metal, but that doesn’t make them as prone to rust as you may think. When you partner with a local awning provider that supplies to homes and businesses in your area, you’ll have access to options that were made to thrive in weather typical to your location. For home and business owners living in Central Florida, for example, certain suppliers create their awnings to fit the inclement and incredibly sunny local climate by rustproofing them with galvanized steel or aluminum.

2. Awnings Need Excessive Attention

Awnings require maintenance, but they aren’t high maintenance. In fact, these installations are almost entirely hands-off, with the exception of some spot cleaning and an annual deep scrub. Semi-regular cleaning, proper storage, and general care will extend the life of your awning and keep it in pristine condition for as long as possible.

1. Awnings Have Limited Options

Plenty of people have the misconception that awnings, while useful, lack in style. However, modern awnings come with just as many customizable options as any other installation—if not more. In fact, certain awning providers can even lay graphics, lettering, and logos directly onto awning fabric. This will help you to represent your business or add an extra personal touch to your home.