We’ll soon be celebrating the first day of spring. With the start of a new season comes a fresh opportunity to find ways to save energy and money.
Here are a few simple tips to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home as warmer temperatures arrive:
- Service your air conditioner. Easy maintenance, such as routinely replacing or cleaning air filters, can lower your cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15%. Use the first day of spring as a reminder to check your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, which should be cleaned annually to ensure the system is performing at optimal levels.
- Open windows. Opening windows creates a breeze to naturally cool your home without using air conditioners. This is an ideal tactic in spring when temperatures are mild.
- Use ceiling fans. Cooling your home with ceiling fans will allow you to raise your thermostat four degrees. This can help lower your electricity bills without sacrificing overall comfort.
- Cook outside. On warmer days, keep the heat out of your home by using an outdoor grill instead of an indoor oven.
- Caulk air leaks. Using low-cost caulk to seal cracks and openings in your home keeps warm air out – and cash in your wallet.
- Set the thermostat. On warm days, setting a programmable thermostat to a higher setting when you are not at home can help reduce your energy costs by approximately 10%.
- Seal ducts. Air loss through ducts can lead to high electricity costs, accounting for nearly 30% of a cooling system’s energy consumption. Sealing and insulating ducts can go a long way toward lowering your electricity bills.
- Switch on bathroom fans. Bathroom fans remove heat and humidity from your home, improving comfort.