12 Tips for Spring Cleaning and Energy Savings

Spring is here, and for many people, that means giving your home a good cleaning. Add these simple steps to your spring cleaning checklist to make sure your clean home is as energy-efficient as possible:

1. Clean your air ducts and vents

Cleaning out all the dust and dirt that has accumulated makes things easier for both your lungs and your heating and cooling systems. You’ll save energy and may even increase the system’s lifespan.

2. Seal any air leaks

Caulking, sealing, and weather-stripping cracks and openings around your windows, doors, or any other openings can help keep air from leaking out of or into your home, helping your heating and cooling systems run at maximum efficiency.

3. Seal your air ducts

Leaky air ducts can reduce the efficiency of heating and cooling systems by up to 30%. Sealing and insulating ducts can prevent you from wasting a significant amount of energy and money.

4. Check your refrigerator’s door seal

Your fridge uses a fair amount of your home’s energy, so make sure the seals on your refrigerator and freezer doors are clean and tight.

5. Clean the sliding door track

If your home has a sliding glass door, clean out the track. Dirt and grit in the track can ruin the door's seal and create gaps where air can escape.

6. Get out your duster

Dust keeps electronics and motors from running at top efficiency. Be sure to dust off your computer, office equipment, electronics, light bulbs, and even refrigerator coils.

7. Replace your air filters

Replacing dirty air filters with new, clean filters will improve airflow and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. This simple step could lower your energy consumption by up to 15%!

8. Have your HVAC system serviced

Having your heating and cooling system inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year helps ensure it’s working at maximum efficiency and wasting as little energy (and money) as possible. 

9. Upgrade your insulation

Enhance the insulation of your attic, doors, windows, floors, roof, and walls to help prevent heat from escaping your home. This can play a huge role in helping your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently.

10. Switch to energy-efficient lighting

Did you know LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescents? Swapping out your incandescent bulbs for LED bulbs can save a ton of energy and money over time. LEDs also emit very little heat, so they can help keep your home cooler as the weather gets warmer.

11. Turn down your water heater

Water heating accounts for 18% of the average utility bill. Turning down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) can help reduce your energy consumption.

12. Change the direction of your ceiling fans

Once it starts getting warmer, switch your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise so that they push cool air down—keeping your home cooler and allowing you to ease up on the AC. 

Small steps like these can make a big difference in your home’s energy consumption—helping you save both energy and money. Once you’ve taken all of these steps to make your home more energy-efficient, make sure the energy you do use comes from clean, green sources. By choosing CleanChoice Energy for your home, you can play a role in fighting climate change and creating a cleaner planet for us all. Sign up for 100% clean, renewable energy from wind and solar sources today!