Homeowner tips
Indoor spring cleaning tips for energy efficiency
Save on your energy bill with these indoor spring cleaning tips
It’s time to start the annual spring cleaning ritual to rid your home of the dust and debris that has accumulated over the winter season. It’s also the perfect time to do a home energy check. While you are making lists of things to clean and organize, keep in mind that there are simple tasks that can also improve your energy efficiency.
Indoor Spring Cleaning Tips
Wash in cold or warm water
Wash cleaning rags and new linens in cold water to lighten the load on your water heater and save on your utility bill. According to Energy.gov, simply switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load’s energy use in half.
Clean the dryer vent
You should always clean the lint trap with each load of laundry. Lint will also accumulate on the inside of the hose which makes your dryer less effective over time. Disconnect the hose from the back of the dryer and vacuum both the vent and the hose to remove any debris.
Replace the air filter
The air filter is your HVAC system’s first layer of defense to keep larger airborne particles from clogging the fan. Without a clean air filter, dust and dirt can accumulate and block your cold air from circulating, resulting in system inefficiency and higher energy bills. (Read more about why you need to change the air filter.)
Change ceiling fan direction
After thoroughly dusting your ceiling blades to keep dirt particles from circulating throughout the room, reverse the direction of the blades to counter-clockwise. While fans don’t cool the air, they do cool people. Running your fan counter-clockwise will create a downward spiral of air that makes the air “feel” colder by evaporating your perspiration. This can provide enough relief from the warmer temperatures so you don’t have to run your air conditioning as much or for that long.
Clean baseboards and floor vents
Dirty ductwork can not only lower your energy efficiency, but can also release pesky allergens into your home. To keep dust from building up, turn off your air conditioner, remove vent covers and clean thoroughly. Use a vacuum crevice tool to remove as many dust bunnies from the ducts as possible and be sure to also clean the baseboards around the vents. (Read more tips on how to improve indoor air quality.)
Vacuum refrigerator coils
Buildup on coils can use more energy by making the motor work harder. You should also check the seal on your fridge by closing the door with a piece of paper or a dollar bill. If you can pull this out easily, then the seal should probably be replaced.
These are just a few indoor spring cleaning tips to freshen up the inside of your home and increase its energy efficiency. Next week, we’ll share some outdoor spring cleaning tips to save money on your energy bill.
