As the weather starts to warm up, many people are gearing up for some serious spring cleaning. For many of us, that means deep cleaning surfaces, bedding, and floors, as well as de-cluttering, and getting rid of things you may no longer need.
While you’re sprucing up your home, it’s also an excellent time to think about ways to improve your energy efficiency. At CleanSky, we believe that by making a few simple changes, you can save money on your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. Here are some energy efficiency tips for spring cleaning.
Clean or Replace Your Air Filters
Changing or cleaning your home’s air filter can be a task that’s easily forgotten, although it should be done quarterly. Your heating and cooling system works more efficiently when the air filters are clean. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate, making your system work harder than necessary. A dirty filter prevents proper airflow, requiring more power to move air through the blower. This makes the furnace run longer and harder, using more power in the process and leaving you with higher energy bills. It’s also a good idea to give your furnace a good once-over to ensure it works properly.
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
One of the easiest ways to ensure you’re being energy efficient while you’re spring cleaning? Replace your incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs! Although LED lightbulbs may require a bit more investment upfront, they use about 80% less energy, helping you save on your energy bills. Incandescent light bulbs tend to produce more heat, so swapping them for their LED counterparts may also help your home stay cooler. Another bonus? LED bulbs last at least 15 times longer, meaning you won’t have to replace them as often, and you get to save more money in the end.
Give Your Ceiling Fans a Check-Up
It’s important to check that your ceiling fan is spinning in the right direction. In the summer, your fan should be set to spin in a counterclockwise direction, which will create a cooling breeze and help you feel more comfortable without having to rely as much on your air conditioner. In the winter, you should reverse the direction of your fan to a clockwise rotation, which will help to push warm air down from the ceiling and distribute it more evenly throughout the room.
Don’t Forget Your Ducts and Vents
Over time, dust, dirt, and other particles can accumulate in your HVAC system’s ductwork and vents, which can negatively impact indoor air quality and the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. By cleaning your vents and ducts, you can improve the overall air quality in your home, which is particularly important for individuals who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues. A clean HVAC system can operate more efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills in the long run. Additionally, If you haven’t had your HVAC serviced in a while, take the opportunity to ensure everything is running smoothly, potentially helping you avoid hefty repair costs.
Cleaning vents and ducts yourself can be a cost-effective option, but it’s important to have the right tools and knowledge to avoid damaging your system or causing safety hazards. If you decide to clean your vents and ducts yourself, be sure to turn off your HVAC system and use specialized brushes and vacuums to remove debris. However, for more extensive cleaning or if you have concerns about the safety of DIY cleaning, it may be best to call in professionals who have the expertise and equipment to properly clean your vents and ducts.
Dust All Nooks and Crannies
Dusting your electronics can help prevent them from overheating and potentially breaking down. Accumulated dust can obstruct ventilation holes or fans, preventing the release of heat that is generated when electronic devices are in use. This can cause the device to work harder, consuming more energy than it would otherwise need, leading to higher energy bills. Similarly, cleaning your refrigerator coils can help the appliance work more efficiently. When the coils are covered in dust, it prevents the heat generated from being released effectively, leading to the fridge working harder to maintain its temperature, again leading to higher energy usage. Our refrigerators may account for up to 14% of our energy bills, so making sure they remain in tip-top shape can make a huge difference.
Check For Air Leaks
Checking for air leaks around windows and doors is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, air leaks can significantly impact the energy efficiency of a building, leading to higher energy bills and unnecessary energy consumption. This is because air leaks allow warm air to escape in the winter and cool air to escape in the summer, which makes it more difficult for the heating and cooling systems to maintain a comfortable temperature. Secondly, air leaks can lead to moisture problems, which can cause damage to walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as promote the growth of mold and mildew. Air leaks can also compromise indoor air quality by allowing pollutants and allergens to enter the building, which can negatively impact the health and well-being of occupants. By regularly checking for and sealing air leaks, homeowners and building managers can improve energy efficiency, prevent damage, and promote a healthier indoor environment.
Update Your Insulation
Proper insulation helps to prevent heat loss during colder months and reduce heat gain during warmer months. This means your home will require less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature, resulting in lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. In addition to reducing energy costs, updating your insulation can also improve indoor air quality by minimizing drafts and preventing moisture buildup. Overall, investing in proper insulation for your home is a smart choice that can help you save money and reduce your environmental impact.
These small spring-cleaning tips can have a significant impact on your energy usage and your energy bill. Keep in mind our 7 reasons why your energy bill may be high as you’re cleaning to help you further improve your savings and in home efficiency. Once you’ve taken the steps to ensure your home is as energy-efficient as possible, consider upgrading your energy provider. At CleanSky, we offer 100% renewably sourced energy at affordable rates, with the customer at the center of everything we do. Ready to get started? Contact us today!
