When you see wild flowers blooming, trees sprouting new leaves, and people swapping scarves and coats for colorful dresses and shorts, just know that the weather is warming. Spring is often a season most people look up to as it gives them a break from the biting cold of winter. With a new season come new opportunities for homeowners to re-evaluate their home energy usage and prepare for the warmer months ahead. To assist you in kicking off your eco-friendly home makeover, below are a number of tips to help you curb your energy usage and save money.
Have an AC Tune Up
When the temperature starts to rise, ACs tends to work overtime. This is why you ought to give your AC a tune up early enough to ensure it operates efficiently, economically and safely throughout. When servicing your AC, you should have a checklist on the things that needs to be done such as checking refrigerant levels, replacing filters and cleaning evaporator coils. You may also want to schedule an inspection with a certified HVAC technician who will ensure your system is up to scratch before the onset of the season.
Check Your Water Heater
There is no much heating involved in spring, but most of us tend to use hot water to shower and wash dishes. In order to avoid costly repairs down the road, ensure that at least a quarter of your water heater tank contents are drained to remove debris and sediments. You can be doing this on a yearly basis. To avoid scalding temperatures and cut down on energy costs at the same time, adjust the thermostat to read 120 degrees.
Clean Out Your Refrigerator
A refrigerator uses nearly 14% of the household energy. Cleaning out your fridge properly can help you reduce energy consumption and cut down on your power bill. Roll your fridge away from the wall and use a vacuum hose or duster to clean dirt and dust from the coils. In order for air to circulate well and increase efficiency, you should remove any unneeded and old foods from the fridge. Keeping the fridge empty is not advisable and always try to keep it about two thirds full to prevent air leakages when you open the door.
Get a Smart Thermostat
Professionals and experts in HVAC unanimously agree that 78% is the ideal temperature to maintain comfort during warm weather while at the same time saving on energy costs. For every degree above 78 degrees that you set your thermostat during warm weather, you can save an approximate 6 to 8 percent off your energy bill. When you leave the house, raise the thermostat setting so that cooling occurs at a higher temperature.
Apart from the above measures, you should be keen to embrace natural ventilation and invest in Energy Star equipment.
