10 Energy Saving Tips to Implement This Spring
Now that spring has officially arrived, it’s the perfect time to get your home prepared for the upcoming warmer months. As the weather gets warmer, you have a number of ways you can save energy in your home. Below are 10 energy saving tips you can implement this spring.
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Set Thermostat Properly
You can increase your energy costs significantly by setting your thermostat too high in the winter months or too low in the summer months. Many professionals agree that keeping your thermostat approximately 78 degrees in the summer months can help you save on energy.
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Clean Out Your Cooling System
Get rid of any leaves or debris around and inside your cooling unit. Vacuum, dust or spray the condenser fins to eliminate any remaining debris and dirt. Once you’ve cleaned your unit, replace the filter indoors.
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Seal Cracks in Doors and Windows with Caulk
The weather during the winter months can damage seals around your windows and doors. Inspect for any cracks you may see or feel and caulk any you find.
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Seal Ducts
Your energy costs can spike when you have air loss coming from your ducts and it can lead to your cooling system working harder and consuming more energy. You can lower energy costs by insulating and sealing your ducts.
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Use Natural Ventilation
If the outdoor weather is pleasant, try opening up your windows and naturally ventilate your home with the fresh air. In the spring, you can open up your windows when you get up in the morning to let the cool air in the morning fill your home. This will enable you to keep your AC off a little longer.
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Cook Outdoors
Spring days are perfect days for grilling outside and will save you energy since indoor ovens produce heat which will have your AC unit working more to keep your home cool.
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Run a Dehumidifier
Your home’s temperature can feel warmer than it actually is when you have excessive moisture in the air. Feeling warmer will cause you to turn your AC unit on in order to compensate for the humidity. By running a dehumidifier, you will be reducing the level of humidity in your home, making you feel more comfortable which can lower your energy use since you won’t be inclined to turn your cooling unit on.
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Install a Whole House Fan
A whole house fan draws in the cooler, fresh outdoors air which will lower your air conditioning costs during the summertime. This can be part of your “natural ventilation” mentioned in number five above. As energy costs increase, homeowners are beginning to realize how essential natural ventilation is in saving money (up to 90 percent of your air conditioning bill) and saving the environment. A whole house fan, most of the time, will bring in enough fresh, cool airflow to maintain a cool sleeping environment depending on your local climate.
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Reduce Water Heating Temperature
When you lower the temperature of your water heater and install showerheads that are low-flow, it helps save energy and lowers your water heating bills.
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Schedule Spring Maintenance for Your Cooling System
Having your cooling system inspected and serviced in the spring time can help keep it functioning safely and properly. This will improve the efficiency of your unit which will result in it using less energy. Schedule an annual springtime tune-up for your HVAC unit to ensure it’s ready to operate efficiently and reliably each warm season.
Not only will you be saving money by implementing these energy-saving tips, but you will also reduce your carbon footprint and increase your level of comfort as well.