5 Ways to Spring Into Energy Efficiency

Spring is a perfect time of year to make your home more energy-efficient.  Here are five quick tips that will save both energy and money.

1. Seal the cracks and gaps around your home. Spring may be the right time to put away those storm windows, but it is also a good time to add weather-stripping and caulking around leaky windows. Don’t stop there, sealing more cracks and leaks – especially around the floor and ceiling can save the homeowner over $200 annually.  See how you can seal the cracks and keep your wallet from leaking.
   
2. Change filters regularly. Furnace and air conditioner filters need to be changed monthly and this can really help lower monthly energy bills.  Dirty filters can restrict air flow and reduce the overall efficiency of your cooling system and make it work even harder on hot summer days.
   
3. Check your refrigerator. Clean the outside of the refrigerator as well as the inside. Gently vacuuming the outside coils (getting rid of “dust bunnies”) and checking the seals for air leaks can improve the efficiency of your refrigerator.  Also, check the temperature settings on your refrigerator.  Ideally, a refrigerator’s temperature should be between 37 and 40 degrees for maximum operating efficiency. When it’s time to replace that old refrigerator, be sure to buy an ENERGY STAR® labeled appliance. Energy-efficient appliances can save you members as much as $100 a year based our calculations. Discover how you can use Energy Star® qualifying appliances like an energy star.
   
4. Think sun block. Closing the blinds on your windows this spring and summer, you could save about $35 a year.  Your local hardware or do-it-yourself stores have lots of inexpensive window coverings. Best of all, by blocking the sun, your house will stay comfortable year-round ($35 savings includes winter too).
   
5. Control temperature settings. Do you have a programmable thermostat?  Check that the temperature and time settings are programmed for summer.  Try setting the temperature to 78 when you are home.  Let the temperature drift up a few degrees when you are away.