Spring brings a sense of renewal that inspires a fresh start at home. As we leave the cold days behind and welcome the warmth, opening the windows to let in sunlight reveals the accumulation of dust over the winter months.

Preparing for this year’s spring cleaning offers a chance to not only tidy up but also enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Here are five tips to ensure your spring cleaning efforts lead to improved energy efficiency throughout the seasons to come.

Do an Energy Audit While You Clean

An energy audit is a great starting point. It helps identify areas where your home may be losing energy and provides a road map for improvements. You don’t necessarily need a professional – simply walking through your home with a keen eye can reveal a lot. Look for drafts under doors, feel for air leaks around windows, and check for insulation gaps. Addressing these issues can lead to big energy savings.

Clean Air Filters to Improve HVAC Efficiency by up to 15%

Your HVAC system works hard to keep your home comfortable year-round. However, dirty air filters can hinder its efficiency, forcing it to work harder and use more energy. By cleaning or replacing your HVAC filters this spring, you could improve its efficiency by up to 15%. This not only saves energy but also extends the lifespan of your system.

Clean HVAC Vents to Improve Airflow and Energy Use

Similarly, HVAC vents often collect dust and debris, which can restrict airflow and decrease system efficiency. While you’re dusting and decluttering, take the time to vacuum out the vents. This simple task can prolong the life and enhance the efficiency of your system, improve your home’s heating and cooling efficiency, and contribute to a healthier indoor air quality.

Clean Coils to Help Refrigerators Run More Efficiently

The refrigerator is one of the most significant energy users in most homes, running 24/7. Dust and pet hair can accumulate on its coils, which are usually located at the back or beneath the unit. Cleaning these coils helps the refrigerator operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and prolonging its life.

Dirty refrigerator coils can lead to a 35% increase in energy consumption, as they hinder the appliance’s cooling efficiency. Considering that refrigerators are among the highest electricity-consuming appliances even under optimal conditions, this impact is significant.

Inspect the Seals of Windows and Doors as You Clean

While cleaning windows and doors, pay extra attention to their seals. Over time, seals can wear out, leading to drafts and energy loss. Inspecting and replacing worn-out seals can help improve your home’s insulation, keeping warm air out during the summer and inside during the winter, thus saving on heating and cooling costs. Make a note of any detected air leaks so you can seal them with caulk after the cleaning process is complete.

Adding these energy efficiency measures into your spring-cleaning routine doesn’t just contribute to a tidier home – it also supports a more eco-friendly lifestyle. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a fresher, more energy-efficient home that benefits both your wallet and the environment. Remember, small changes can lead to big savings over time. So, this spring, as you clear out the clutter and dust off the shelves, consider how you can also increase your home’s energy efficiency. It’s a win-win situation – improving your living space while reducing your energy footprint. Let this spring be the start of a cleaner, greener, and more efficient home.

Sources:

“Why an Energy Audit Should Be a Part of Your Spring Cleaning this Year,” Evergreen Home Performance, https://www.evergreenyourhome.com/blog/why-energy-audit-should-be-part-your-spring-cleaning-year
“The High Cost of Dirty Refrigeration Coils,” Permatron, https://permatron.com/permatron-case-studies/the-high-cost-of-dirty-refrigeration-coils
“Five spring cleaning tips to keep your home energy efficient,” Arcadia, https://blog.arcadia.com/spring-cleaning-energy-efficiency/“Maintaining Your Air Conditioner,” U.S. Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner