How To Reduce Your Electric Bill With These 10 Spring Cleaning Tips
As spring arrives and temperatures warm up, it’s a good time for spring cleaning. It’s also an opportunity to reduce your energy use and lower your utility bills. Here are 10 tips to help you reduce your electric bill this spring.
1. Reverse Ceiling Fan Rotation
During the winter months, your fan rotates clockwise in order to push warm air from the ceiling downward. On the other hand, you want your ceiling fan to draw air upward for cooling and circulation during the spring and summertime. Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to change the rotation seasonally. This can help improve air circulation and comfort.
Tip: Clean your fan blades before reversing the rotation to avoid spreading dust.
2. Clean or Replace Filters
Replacing your air filters is a simple DIY project that helps your HVAC system work more efficiently, reduces allergens in your home, and can lower your energy bill. We recommend changing the filters every 1-3 months. If you have larger 4-5″ wide filters, that timeline could be 6-9 months.
3. Service Your HVAC System
While replacing your filters is something you can usually do yourself, we suggest having a licensed technician service your entire HVAC system. We recommend having your heating system serviced in the fall and air conditioner serviced in the spring. This can help lower your energy bills and identify maintenance issues before they become bigger problems.
4. Clean Around Your Refrigerator
While spring cleaning, don’t forget your refrigerator. Dust, trash, pet hair, etc. often accumulates around the condenser coils, causing your refrigerator to operate much less efficiently. A quick dusting or vacuuming can help it run more efficiently.
5. Check Water Heater Temperature Settings
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your water heater temperature to 120°F. This provides sufficient hot water for bathing, laundry, and dishwashing while reducing energy use.
6. Window Treatments
While cleaning your windows, make sure they close tightly and check for air leaks. Consider using energy-efficient window treatments to help keep heat out. Films or shades can help keep your home cool and reduce energy costs. During mild temperatures, open your shades to use natural light instead of electric lighting.
7. Embrace Outdoor Cooking
Ovens and stovetops generate heat in your kitchen, which can increase cooling costs. Outdoor cooking is one way to reduce this.
8. Dust, Dust, Dust
Dust can reduce the efficiency of your electronics and cause overheating. Regular dusting helps, and an air purifier can remove contaminants from the air.
9. Clean Your Power Outlets
To do this safely, turn off the power at the breaker, then unscrew the outlet cover and use an all-purpose cleaner with a cotton swab to remove grease, dust, and dirt. Don’t put the swab inside the outlet itself. Screw the cover back on and restore power.
10. Make Your own Cleaning Products
You can make effective cleaning products using common household items like vinegar, baking soda, and ammonia. Check out online resources for recipes and instructions.
These simple steps can help reduce your electric bill and energy use this spring.
Got questions or need a maintenance check? Give us a call at 317-203-8149.
Posted in: Air Conditioning, Indoor Air Quality
