Spring is here! This is the perfect opportunity to refresh your home and reduce energy use. This season, we’re focused on practical, step-by-step solutions to save energy and lower your bills.
Each section below provides clear “how-to” instructions to help you get started. Try these tips to make it easier to create a more comfortable, efficient home right away.
1. How to clean or replace air filters
Keeping your air filters clean is a simple task with big benefits. Dirty filters force your heating and cooling system to work harder, which increases energy costs. Follow these steps to keep your air fresh and improve the efficiency of your unit.
- Turn off your system to stay safe before handling the filter.
- Find the air filter in your system. Check the manual if needed.
- Carefully remove the filter, avoiding spreading dust as you do.
- Clean reusable filters with water, letting them dry completely before reinserting.
- Replace disposable filters with a new one of the same size and type.
- Reinsert the filter and turn the system back on.
If you want to keep your unit in peak performance, check filters regularly and follow these steps every 1-3 months.
2. How to clean your windows
Clean windows brighten up your home and save energy by letting in more natural light. Use these steps to get sparkling clean, streak-free windows to help you rely less on artificial lighting during the day.
- Dust the window frame and sill to remove loose dirt.
- Clean the glass with a microfiber cloth or a sponge and soapy water.
- Rinse with clean water, ensuring no residue is left behind.
- Dry the glass with a squeegee and wipe the edges with a lint-free cloth.
- For a natural cleaning option, use a vinegar and water solution.
- Rinse and clean window screens.
Remember, when the weather allows, open your windows for fresh air instead of using energy to power fans or air conditioners.
3. How to seal windows and doors
Small air leaks around windows and doors can add up to major energy loss. Sealing these gaps is a quick way to keep your home comfortable and more energy efficient. Follow these steps for a draft-free home and lower energy bills.
- Feel for drafts or use a candle to locate air leaks around windows and doors.
- Seal cracks and gaps around frames with caulking.
- Add weather-stripping to the edges of doors and windows to stop air leaks.
- Install door sweeps at the base of doors to block drafts. A rolled-up towel can work too!
- Regularly check and maintain the seals to keep the energy savings going.
4. How to clean refrigerator coils
Your refrigerator uses more energy when its coils are covered in dust. Cleaning them extends the life of your fridge and makes it operate more efficiently. But, this can be a little tricky. Here’s how you can clean your refrigerator coils step by step.
- Unplug your fridge.
- Locate the coils, usually behind or underneath the unit.
- Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
- For tough dirt, gently scrub with a soft brush.
- Wipe up any surrounding mess to keep the area tidy.
- Plug the fridge back in when you’re done and ensure it’s working properly.
To help keep your refrigerator running, try to clean the coils at least two to three times a year.
Small steps, big savings
These step-by-step tips are simple, but their impact will resonate all season long. By acting now, you can save money, reduce energy use, and create a more efficient home. Spring is the season of renewal, so why not start with your home?
For even more energy-saving ideas, visit our website for more energy-saving tips. Together, we can spring into savings and make a greener choice for our planet!