With Daylight Savings Time going into effect over the weekend, it's safe to say that spring is near! We're just as excited as you are for warmer temperatures, but before you reach to turn down the thermostat, consider implementing some of these home energy efficiency practices. Get started now and set yourself up to save on your energy bill through this spring and summer.  

6 Home Energy Efficiency Tips for Spring

Open the Windows

Throughout much of the spring, temperatures will be ideal for opening the windows and allowing that nice, mild spring air to circulate through your home, cooling it for free. Just make sure to close them when the trees and plants start releasing pollen.

Make Use of Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to supplement central and window air conditioning units. Using a fan in a room will make it feel 4 to 6 degrees cooler, which means you can leave the thermostat that much higher. Considering that every degree you set it below 78 degrees increases energy consumption by 7% and energy costs by 9%, this is well worth it.

Fans don't actually make the room cooler, but create the sensation of coolness by passing air over your skin. This evaporates the sweat on your skin, making you feel cooler. So, be sure to turn them off when you're not in the room.

Change Your Air Conditioner's Filter

Of course, while you can supplement your cooling with ceiling fans, the bulk of it is going to come from your air conditioner. Did you know that just by replacing a dirty filter with a clean one, you can reduce your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent? This is because when you have a clean filter, the condenser doesn't have to work as hard to draw air through it. Not only that, but a clean filter will also improve the air quality in your home.

Get Your Central Air Conditioner Serviced

Changing the filter is a good place to start, but if you really want your air conditioner to run at max efficiency, consider getting it serviced by an HVAC professional. For a modest initial investment, the increase in efficiency generates a return that lasts all spring and summer long.

Insulation and Sealing

There's no sense in tuning up your air conditioner if that nice cool air is going to escape your home as a result of air leaks or lack of insulation. A home that is not properly insulated and sealed can lose as much as 40% of its conditioned air! Weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors are both DIY projects that can cut air loss, though you may want to look into a professional service for sealing larger sources of air leakage and insulation installation.

Consider a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit offers a complete picture of the energy usage in your home, and uses comprehensive analysis to give you detailed insight into how much you could save by implementing energy efficiency upgrades. Plus, it just makes your home more comfortable! Call today at 866.996.7630 or visit us at our website to learn more. 

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