4 Energy Upgrades for Your Spring-Cleaning Routine
As springtime rolls in, the season of rejuvenation extends beyond gardens and closets – it’s the perfect time to make changes that can improve how you use energy at home.
Combining energy upgrades with your annual spring cleaning can save money, reduce your environmental impact and even make your home more comfortable year-round.
Here are a few simple steps to consider adding to this year’s spring-cleaning checklist:
1. Seal the Deal with Weatherization
One of the easiest, most impactful ways to improve your home's energy efficiency is through weatherization. While you're cleaning windows and doors, take a moment to inspect for drafts or gaps. A little caulk, foam sealant or weatherstripping can go a long way toward sealing these pesky energy leaks. Don't forget to check your attic and basement – insulating these areas can yield significant energy savings by maintaining a more consistent indoor temperature.
2. Replace and Refresh with Energy-Efficient Upgrades
As you tidy up your living space, consider replacing older items with energy-efficient alternatives, like LED light bulbs and smart power strips. LEDs use 80-90 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and will lead to major savings over time. And smart power strips (or smart outlets) can cut power to devices when they’re not in use, reducing standby energy consumption. If you're ready to think bigger, consider upgrading old refrigerators, dishwashers or other large appliances to ENERGY STAR models to drastically reduce your utility bills over time.
3. Sign Up and Save with Utility Programs and Rates
Did you know your power company might offer programs or rate plans to help you save? While sorting through mail or tackling your office clutter, look for details about rebates, energy audits or different rate plans, like time-of-use (TOU). With a TOU plan, you can lower your monthly bills if you’re able to avoid heavy electricity usage during the peak hours (usually around 4-8 p.m.). And with energy efficiency rebates and incentives, you can access things like LED bulbs, smart power strips and smart thermostats at a fraction of the normal cost. Check with your power company and see what they offer – signing up for new programs and rates can provide immediate benefits while motivating further energy-saving actions.
4. Tackle Routine Maintenance to Maximize Energy Efficiency
Spring cleaning also offers the chance to maintain what you already have. Clean or replace HVAC filters to ensure your system operates efficiently and schedule a professional tune-up if needed. Dust off ceiling fans and set them to rotate counterclockwise, which helps cool your home more effectively during warmer months. In addition, take a look at your attic insulation and add more if it's insufficient as proper insulation is key to maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. These small acts of upkeep can improve performance and reduce energy consumption as you move into warmer weather months.
Spring cleaning is an excellent opportunity to breathe new life into your household’s energy strategy for the year. By weatherizing your home, installing energy-efficient products and exploring new utility programs, you can enjoy lower bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. As you refresh your space this spring, take a moment to make energy upgrades that will pay off all year long. After all, there's no better time to spring into savings.
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