Spring is the perfect time to do a clean sweep of your space to make sure you’re ready for the hot months ahead. The following room-by-room tour offers some steps you can take to increase your energy efficiency today.
Keep Your Cool
Let’s start at your air conditioner. By now, you’ve probably turned it on. And if you haven’t, you’ve definitely thought about it. One of the best ways to make sure your air conditioner is in tiptop shape is to get a checkup. You can even get a rebate for qualified service providers. It’s also recommended that you change your air filters every month.
“With air conditioners, you don’t want to wait until it doesn’t work before you call for help,” said Edith Garcia, Senior Program Manager for Residential Energy Efficiency Programs and Services. “Regular maintenance can ensure you stay cool this summer.”
Laundry Room
Make sure your dryer’s lint filter is emptied after each use to keep it operating efficiently and to reduce fire hazards. Also, consider drying items outside on a clothesline, especially pool towels and swimsuits during warm weather days. And wait to run your washing machine until you have a full load.
Kitchen
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that about 13 percent of your household’s energy costs can be traced back to your appliances – and your kitchen is full of them. One of the best ways to boost energy efficiency is to run your dishwasher only with full loads. And when it comes to drying, try using the air dry setting. If your dishwasher does not have that option, you can turn it off after the final rinse cycle to avoid the energy-draining heated dry cycle.
Bathrooms
Bathroom ventilation fans remove moisture and odors, but only when they are functioning properly. A clogged fan won’t do much more than waste electricity. An easy test for exhaust fans is to place a sheet of paper against the fan grill. A properly functioning fan should hold the paper tightly against the grill. Need a repair? Mechanical contractors who offer duct-cleaning services can inspect and clean or repair fans in your house.
Windows
On a breezy day, give your air conditioner a break. Opening windows for a cross breeze is a great way to cool down your home when your air conditioner isn’t running. When your AC unit does kick on, close your windows. You don’t want the unit to work harder than necessary to keep you cool.
As the temperatures rise, prevent the sun from heating up your home by keeping your curtains closed. You should also consider planting a tree to provide some extra shade. Our Trees for You program offers discounted shade trees.
Window seals should also be checked to make sure cool air isn’t escaping. You can test this by closing a window on a piece of paper. If you can remove the paper easily, you should reseal the windows.
“These few simple steps don’t take a lot of time to complete, but they can help you save on energy costs this season and for the months to come,” Garcia said.
