We still have over one month of Spring left! As we continue through this season, we encourage you to reevaluate your home energy usage to save on costs and curb your energy use. If you want to cut your cooling costs without sacrificing your comfort, here are some energy saving tips for spring.

1. Clean your air conditioner and have it serviced

Remove all the dust and leaves in the unit, and spray or vacuum the condenser to eradicate any dirt and debris. Once you are done, replace the filter. Doing this can lower your unit’s consumption by up to 15%.

2. Open your windows

Spring is a perfect time to do this since the temperatures are mild. Let in some fresh air and enjoy the natural ventilation. The simple act of opening your windows will create a cross-breeze that will give a natural cooling effect. In the evening, leave the windows open to let the cooler air in.

3. Use natural light

Switch off any artificial light during daytime and let the sun shine in! Aside from reducing your energy costs, letting the natural light in your home has health benefits. Called the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ our bodies produce the D4 vitamin when it’s exposed to sunlight. Perhaps the most vital function of vitamin D3 is its ability to facilitate normal immune function, helping reduce your likelihood of developing the flu.

4. Use your ceiling fan

Minimize the use of your air conditioning unit and use your ceiling fans instead. During the winter months, your fans should be rotating clockwise to distribute the rising warm air. Adjust your fan in the spring and summer months so that the fan will turn counter-clockwise, pushing cool air downwards.

5. Update your windows

Prevent the UV rays from significantly warming up your home by installing energy efficient window coverings and treatments like shades, blinds, and films.

6. Clean your fridge

Properly cleaning your refrigerator will reduce its power consumption. Roll your fridge away from the wall and clear the dust and dirt from the coils using a vacuum hose or duster. Remove old food to increase efficiency and allow the air to circulate. You may also want to move your appliance to a cooler location to make it easier for your fridge to maintain a cold temperature.

7. Seal cracks

Cool air can escape from openings and cracks in your home, especially during warm weather. Once you discover the sources of air leakage, seal the openings with paintable or clear caulk.

We hope that these energy saving tips for spring will help keep your energy worries to a minimum and help your home become more energy efficient!

Sources:

“10 Energy Saving Tips for Spring,” U.S. Department of Energy, 20 March 2015, https://www.energy.gov/articles/10-energy-saving-tips-spring

“Energy Saving Tips for Spring,” Homesteading, https://homesteading.com/energy-saving-tips-spring/

“Energy Efficient Window Attachments,” U.S. Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-attachments