Spring will soon be here and for many people that means giving your home a good cleaning. While spring cleaning can be daunting, did you realize this annual tradition can actually help you save money? It’s true! There’s probably a good chance you haven’t noticed the small ways you’ve been wasting energy around your home. Doing a bit of spring cleaning makes you aware of those sneaky energy vampires so you can deal with them.
By making your home as clean and comfortable as possible, you’ll also make it energy-efficient, saving you a bit of money while helping the environment. Here are some spring-cleaning tips that will help improve your energy efficiency at home.
Check on your air conditioning/heating system
Routinely replacing your air filters will not only improve indoor air quality, it’ll also lower your heating and cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15%. If you can’t remember the last time you changed them, take time to change them now. How often you should change the air filter depends on a lot of variables like how large your home is, the location, if someone in your family has allergies or asthma, or if you have pets. A good rule of thumb is to change the air filters every 90 days. If you have a pet, consider changing them every 60 days.
While you’re checking the filters on your HVAC system, check your air ducts and vents for dust and grime and wipe them down.
Double-check ceiling fans
Spring is a good time to check the ceiling fans to make sure they are operating in the right direction. Ceiling fans should turn clockwise during the winter to push down warm air but during the spring and summer, they should be turning counterclockwise to help cool the room. Before changing the fan’s direction, be sure to wipe down the blades to keep any dust from getting back into the air.
Dust everything
While you’re dusting your shelves and countertops, be sure to dust your electronics, office equipment, light bulbs, dryer vents, and even refrigerator coils. Dust can prevent your items from running efficiently and properly, increasing your total energy costs.
Clean the fridge
Your fridge consumes up to 14% of your home’s electricity so increasing the fridge’s energy efficiency can make a dent in your bill. Start by cleaning out the fridge and removing old food and drinks. Shoot to keep your fridge about two-thirds cool to promote circulation and efficiency. Follow up by cleaning the seals around the door to keep the cold air inside.
Spring is about renewal and new beginnings and spring cleaning is a great way to refresh your entire home to get ready for the new year. By adding these helpful tips to your spring cleaning plans, not only will you have your home in tip-top shape, but you’ll also reap the rewards of energy savings!