Spring Cleaning That Saves Energy
Spring cleaning isn’t just about decluttering closets and freshening up your home; it’s also one of the easiest, most overlooked ways to cut energy usage and improve efficiency. Dust buildup, clogged filters, air leaks, and neglected appliances quietly waste electricity and make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to.
A few simple seasonal maintenance tasks can help lower your energy cost, extend the life of your systems, and keep your home feeling lighter and healthier.
1. Clean or Replace Air Filters
Your HVAC system runs constantly, and dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing it to use 15–20% more energy.
What to do:
Replace filters every 1–3 months.
Vacuum vents and returns
Wipe dust from registers.
Energy benefit:
Cleaner airflow means shorter run times and lower electric bills.
Pro tip: Set a seasonal calendar reminder every spring and summer.
2. Seal Air Leaks & Check Insulation
Tiny gaps around doors and windows let cool air escape and warm air sneak in. Your AC then has to work overtime to compensate.
What to do:
Add weatherstripping to doors.
Caulk window cracks
Check attic insulation
Seal outlets on exterior walls
Energy benefit:
Sealing leaks can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10–15% annually.
3. Service Appliances & Cooling Systems
Appliances full of dust and debris use more power to do the same job.
What to do:
Vacuum refrigerator coils
Clean dryer vents and lint traps
Dust ceiling fans
Schedule an AC tune-up.
Energy benefit:
A clean fridge alone can use 5–10% less electricity, and regular HVAC maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns.
4. Upgrade Lighting While You Clean
While dusting and reorganizing, it’s the perfect time to modernize lighting.
What to do:
Swap incandescent bulbs for LEDs
Open blinds for natural daylight
Use smart power strips to reduce phantom energy use.
Clean light fixtures for brighter output
Energy benefit:
LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy and last years longer.
5. Declutter for Better Airflow
Furniture or clutter blocking vents and returns traps air, making systems inefficient.
What to do:
Keep vents clear
Rearrange furniture for airflow.
Donate unused items
Keep interior doors open.
Energy benefit:
Better circulation means faster heating and cooling with less system runtime.
