Spring into the New Season with These Energy Efficiency Tips

The days are getting longer, branches are starting to bud and birds are chirping – Spring is, in fact, on the way. Aside from setting our clocks ahead and breaking out your lawn mower, it’s another great time to take a few simple steps to reduce your energy usage – and lower your bills – as we head into a new season.

Spring is a great time to focus on maintenance – and transitioning from heating to cooling. Service your HVAC system and clean your air filters, which can lower your system’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Be sure to vacuum and clean out your intake vents regularly to remove any dust build up.

Speaking of maintenance, it’s wise to check and potentially reseal the windows in your home before the intense heat arrives. Sealing and insulating windows and ducts can go a long way toward lowering your electricity bill. It’s also good to install weatherstripping around doors to keep drafts from getting in.

During the day, you can open blinds and curtains to naturally light your home. And you can open those windows in the evening and use the breeze to provide fresh air to circulate throughout your home. It helps to avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. Heat from these appliances can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

One holdover from our winter conservation tips is to utilize a smart thermostat to adjust your home’s temperature automatically. When the temperature outside rises, you can set your thermostat at a higher temperature while you’re gone and have it lower before you get home, so it’s cooled down and ready when you walk in the door. Utilizing less energy while you’re gone can help you save big on your bill!

If you have a green thumb, it is possible to cool your home with strategically placed vegetation. Trees, shrubs and vines provide shade and can help lower the cooling needs of a home. Please remember to dial 811 before you dig to make sure you don’t disturb any underground electrical lines or pipes.

Finally, if you adjusted your ceiling fan in the fall, reverse it to run counterclockwise. This setting creates a breeze that cools the room and promotes air circulation. To check if it’s going the right direction, stand directly beneath the fan and turn it on. If you feel a strong breeze, it’s set to counterclockwise for the warmer months.

We’re excited for longer days and more sunshine. Regardless of what season it is, we are always here to help you save money and lower your energy usage. Visit www.snopud.com/save-energy for more tips and rebates to help you spring into savings!