Energy-Saving Tips for Spring

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Understand your home’s energy usage

Every device and appliance in your home uses some electricity to run, and the amount of energy you consume impacts your monthly energy costs. Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) — the more you use, the higher your bill will be. Understanding where you use the most electricity in your home makes managing and reducing your energy consumption easier. Estimating your energy usage can help you find areas where you can use less energy. This guide gives you a few ways to save money and energy as the warmer weather starts.

Spring energy-saving tips

Snow, ice, and strong winds may have impacted your home’s energy efficiency during the winter, which makes spring a good time to perform seasonal maintenance around your home.

Having an energy-efficient home helps you consume less electricity, which in turn often leads to lower energy bills. Consider these maintenance tips to prepare for warmer months ahead and save electricity this spring.

Schedule routine cleaning on your HVAC system

Heating and cooling costs account for approximately 31% of residential energy consumption, making it critical that your HVAC system works properly. Spring is a great time to schedule maintenance on your HVAC because you likely aren’t relying on heating or cooling as much to stay comfortable.

A debris buildup or a leak in your HVAC system can cause the unit to operate less efficiently. To ensure optimal HVAC functionality, clear any clutter around the unit, replace the filter, and schedule an inspection with an HVAC professional. These steps will help ensure your unit is functioning properly and not wasting energy — and your money.

Examine your roof and siding

Cracking ice, fallen branches, and the weight of heavy snow can dislodge shingles or siding on your home. This can create small gaps that compromise your temperature-controlled environment, which can make your thermostat work harder than it needs to. You may be able to fix minor issues yourself, but you should contact a professional for an inspection and any major repairs.

Caulk around windows and doors to seal cracks

Harsh winter weather can also damage the seals around your doors and windows. These gaps can release air, impacting your home’s overall energy efficiency. Check to make sure you don’t see or feel any cracks. If you do, use a caulking gun to fill them.

Take advantage of warmer days

The spring months often bring varying temperatures. Some days might be warm, while others are below freezing. A good way to take the strain off your thermostat is to turn off the heat and open the doors and windows when the temperature warms up. Not only will this help you lower your heating costs, it also allows your home to air out any built-up pollutants or humidity.

Switch the direction of your ceiling fan

In the winter, your ceiling fans should rotate clockwise at low speed to distribute the rising warm air around the room. In the spring and summer, the fan should turn counterclockwise to force air down into the room to help keep you cool. Most fans have a switch located above the blades next to the motor that changes the fan’s direction. Doing this will regulate your home’s temperature without you having to change the thermostat, which can add up on your monthly bill.

Clean off the refrigerator coils

Warmer weather means more dust, pollen, and pet hair can collect on your refrigerator’s coils, impacting its efficiency and making it work harder. A long-handled brush is perfect for dusting and cleaning the coils on the bottom or back of the refrigerator to ensure it’s working at full capacity.

Change the setting for timed lights

You may have indoor or outdoor lights on a timer to light up when you get home in the evenings. As daylight lasts longer, you may want to reset your lights for later or turn the timer off altogether. Reducing the use of artificial lighting will help decrease your electricity consumption.

Lower your water heater temperature

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), heating water accounts for around 12% of most households’ energy usage. As temperatures rise in the spring, consider turning down your water heater. Using less electricity to heat water will help your heating costs decrease.

Explore energy-efficient upgrades

Countless devices and appliances across your home have an energy-efficient alternative. For example, you can switch to LED light bulbs, which use around 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

If you want to make a bigger change around your home, you can upgrade your larger appliances to ENERGY STAR-certified versions. For example, ENERGY STAR washing machines use 25% less energy and save 33% more water than traditional models. While this is a more costly route, if it’s time to purchase a new appliance, consider ENERGY STAR to improve your home’s efficiency. You’ll likely notice the difference on your monthly electricity bill in the long run.