Spring Cleaning: 6 Energy-Efficiency Tips to Refresh Your Home
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, declutter, and make energy-efficient upgrades that can help lower your energy usage. Spring cleaning is the ideal time to implement a few new energy-saving habits and also an opportunity to make your home more energy efficient. By incorporating these energy-saving tips, you’ll reduce waste, lower your energy usage, and create a comfortable home environment.
1. Clean and Maintain Your HVAC System
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system works hard all year. A little maintenance can improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan.
Change the air filters. Dirty filters force your system to work harder, increasing energy consumption. Replace them every 1-3 months.
Schedule an HVAC tune-up. A professional cleaning and inspection can optimize efficiency.
2. Clean Your Appliances for Efficiency
Dirty appliances can consume more energy than necessary.
Refrigerator: Clean the coils behind your fridge to help it run more efficiently. Make sure the door seals are tight to prevent cold air leaks.
Dryer: Clear out lint from the dryer vent and filter to improve airflow and reduce drying time.
3. Adjust Your Thermostat
Take advantage of warmer weather by adjusting your thermostat settings:
Set your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) when you’re home and lower when you’re away or sleeping.
Consider a smart thermostat to adjust temperatures and optimize energy use automatically.
4. Wash Laundry in Cold Water
Hot water uses more energy, so switch to cold water whenever possible. Most modern detergents work well in cold water, and it helps extend the life of your clothes.
5. Use Natural Light and Ventilation
Open windows daily to let in fresh air instead of running fans or air conditioning.
Take advantage of natural sunlight instead of using artificial lights.
6. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you’re replacing any appliances this spring, look for ENERGY STAR-certified models to save energy.
