Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to refresh your home while also improving its energy efficiency. Add these 10 energy-saving tips to your spring cleaning list.
Service Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling your home account for over 50% of your energy costs, so it makes sense to start there. Spring is the perfect time for air conditioning maintenance to ensure it’s in tip-top operating condition when summer hits.
Take these simple steps: replace your air filter, check your attic ductwork for leaks, clean the coil and remove debris like lawn clippings from the outdoor unit. For full maintenance, you can schedule a professional AC tune-up for around $150-$190, or see if your local utility offers a free AC tune up.
Check and Clean Light Fixtures
Dust on your light fixtures can dim the amount of light they generate. Dust your lightbulbs and switch all of them to LED bulbs for greater energy efficiency.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
While you’re dusting light fixtures, flip the directional switch on your ceiling fan. Turn it to spin counterclockwise to create a downdraft, bringing a cooling breeze into the room.
Ceiling fans can cut your cooling costs, but remember that they cool the person, not the room. Turn them off when you leave the room!
Check Insulation Levels in Your Attic
Insulation degrades over time. What once was the perfect amount of insulation may now be a crumbling dust. Insulation should completely cover the joists in your attic floor. Proper insulation keeps hot air in the attic where it belongs, and conditioned air inside your home.
Clean Your Refrigerator Coil
A dusty refrigerator coil makes your refrigerator work overtime.
Pull your fridge away from the wall and unplug it. Locate the condenser coils, which are usually at the back or underneath the appliance. Then use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the refrigerator coil.
If the coils are greasy, you can use a foaming coil cleaner and a brush, or use a cloth soaked in warm water and diluted dish soap.
Wash and Inspect Windows
Let the sun shine in! Wash your windows both inside and out to let in the natural light.
While you’re cleaning, inspect your windows to ensure they seal properly. If not, apply fresh weatherstripping or caulking to create a tight seal. To check the window seal, close a dollar bill in the window. If you can pull it out, air can get in!
Invest in Window Treatments
Look into those springtime white sales for new window treatments! Install curtains or blinds that have light-blocking and heat-blocking features. You’ll need these in the summer to keep radiant heat out of your home.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Change your thermostat from winter thermostat settings to more moderate ones. And if you don’t have a programmable or wi-fi smart thermostat, consider adding that to your spring checklist.
According to EnergyStar.gov, smart thermostats can help you save approximately 8% on the heating and cooling portion of your energy bills.
Clean the Vents in Your Home
Clogged vents can interfere with airflow and reduce efficiency of your HVAC system. Plus dusty air vents can impact your health, especially if you have allergies.
Remove the HVAC vent covers and vacuum any dust from inside the vent, then wipe covers clean before re-installing.
From there, move on to the other ventilation points in your home. Clean the bathroom ventilation fan to remove dust and grime, and clean the vent fan filter over your stove. In your laundry room, clean the dryer vent completely, disconnecting the hose from the back of the dryer to detect and remove any blockages.
Lastly, go outside and check your soffit vents. These vents along your roofline allow air flow into your attic, but should be secured with wire mesh to keep out any critters. Check for holes and make any needed repairs.
Inspect Natural Gas Appliances
Inspect your natural gas appliances after a long winter as well. Make sure the hose fittings on your natural gas grill are in good condition, and deep clean the burner channels on your stove cooktop to ensure a clean burning blue flame.
Following these simple spring cleaning steps will leave your home fresh and clean, plus give you energy bill savings. Check our blog for more energy efficiency tips!
