The start of a new season means the scorching sun draining all of our energy and us gaining it back by chilling in an air-conditioned room. Amidst all of this, rising electricity rates are also a concern. In such a case, compromising on comfort level is not an option, but energy efficiency is. Here are a few simple energy-saving tips for spring to save on utility bills while also maintaining the desired temperature and comfort level.
Before you start
Understand your energy bill. The information on a typical energy bill can be confusing, but understanding it can go a long way to helping you get to grips with your energy use at home.
The Top 10 Money and Energy-Saving Tips for Spring 2022
1. Weatherproof your home
According to estimates, 20 percent of the air moving through the system leaks. Drafty windows and leaky doors put a strain on air conditioning systems, causing them to function harder to reach the desired temperature.
It consequently leads to higher energy consumption and energy bills. Sealing and caulking doors and windows are the key to preventing cool air from sweeping out of tiny gaps and leakage holes.
2. Replace Old Windows
Old residential windows can bring direct sunlight into your home, making it significantly hotter. Thanks to technology advancements, you can now prevent unwanted heat from coming into the house with Energy Star-certified windows.
According to the organization, installing Energy Star windows can lower energy bills by 12 percent. For more efficient cooling, you can also use blackout curtains and drapes to cover windows.
3. Use Programmable Thermostat
Since heating and cooling cover up most of your energy bill, using a programmable thermostat is one way to lower the figure. It can automatically adjust the temperature according to programmed settings to save energy and maintain a consistent comfort level.
As per the estimates by Energy Star, programmable thermostats can save up to $180 annually on energy bills.
4. Service Air Conditioners
Dust and debris can quickly cover up air filters and make them dirty. Clogged air filters also put a strain on the air conditioner’s performance, causing it to consume more energy than usual to compensate for and reach the desired temperature.
A professional HVAC service provider plays a vital role in tuning up your air conditioner unit, cleaning air filters, and spotting other issues that might spike your utility bill later. Not only do routine check-ups of air conditioning units save energy bills, but they also optimize cooling efficiency and comfort level.
5. Update Lighting Choices
Lighting up your home for less is nothing but one of the wisest energy-saving tips for spring. According to Energy.gov, lighting contributes to, on average, 15 percent of the total electricity usage.
Switching to energy-efficient lights saves approximately $255 annually on electricity costs. Moreover, it is better to opt for Energy Star bulbs for higher energy savings.
Apart from that, using timers and dimmers with lighting also saves significant energy costs. While timers automatically shut lights off when not in use, dimmers lower the power levels.
6. Opt for Professional Installation
Incorrect installation can increase your energy bills because the direction of the air conditioning system plays a vital role. Not only does it decline the unit’s durability but also its cooling efficiency.
An HVAC installation contractor, like Surrey Air, does a professional job, unlike that of a cheaper and unlicensed handyman. Should you need any assistance, call us at the given number.
7. Use Ceiling Fans
Using ceiling fans on less hot days significantly reduces energy bills. According to Energy.gov, cooling via ceiling fans allows you to increase your thermostat by four degrees. This way, you can reduce your electricity without compromising on the comfort of your household.
Besides, the direction of your ceiling fans also matters — a counter clock-wise rotation pushes cool air downwards, while a clockwise rotation pushes hot air down. This tiny adjustment will have a dramatic impact on your utility costs.
8. Cook Outside
Since the temperature is already hotter in the spring season, cooking inside will only add to the heat, causing more discomfort to the entire household and adding more to the energy bill.
The best solution is to enjoy the spring season and use outdoor grills for cooking food. This way, heat will stay out of your house, and air conditioning units will perform at their best.
9. Use Alternative Drying Methods
Do you know that your electric clothes dryer consumes the most electricity out of all appliances? Since the sun shines in all its glory in summer, why not try an alternate drying method?
It is definitely one of the most efficient energy-saving tips for spring — use either a drying rack or stand during summer to save plenty of energy at the end of the season.
If you do not want to invest in a separate drying stand, spice up your DIY game and tie ropes to hooks for hanging clothes.
10. Open Windows for Better Ventilation at Night
The US Department of Energy recommends opening windows for natural ventilation during summer nights. However, one thing to note is whether the outside temperature is better than the indoor temperature. If it is, then opting for natural ventilation is smart enough to reduce energy bills.
Additionally, you can,
Switch off standby
You can save around £65 (£45 in NI) a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode.
Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming. You may want to think about getting a standby saver or smart plug that allows you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go.
Check the instructions for any appliances you aren’t sure about. Some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so they can keep track of any programs you want to record.
Draught-proof windows and doors
Unless your home is very new, you will lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney.
Professional draught-proofing of windows, and doors, and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can cost around £225 but can save around £125 (£55 in NI) a year on energy bills. DIY draught-proofing can be much cheaper.
Turn off lights
Turn your lights off when you’re not using them or when you leave a room. This will save you around £25 (£19 in NI) a year on your annual energy bills.
Replacing all the lights in your home with LED bulbs could help you save even more.
Careful with your washing
You can save around £34 (£15 in NI) a year from your energy bill just by using your washing machine more carefully:
- Use your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures.
- Reduce your washing machine use by one run per week for a year.
Avoid the tumble dryer
Avoid using a tumble dryer for your clothes: dry clothes on racks inside where possible or outside in warmer weather to save £70 (£65 in NI) a year.
Spend less time in the shower
Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household £95 (£35 in NI) a year on their energy bills.
Swap your bath for a shower
Some of us might enjoy a long soak in the bath, but swapping just one bath a week with a 4-minute shower could save you £20 (£6 in NI) a year on your energy bills.
The Bottom Line
The spring season brings colors and scents, but it also means hot days and nights. You can get yearly service and save tons of money too. All you have to do is to contact us.
Electricity consumption changes with the season, and there is always a risk of a spike in electricity costs. While staying cool is a necessity to function, we can implement energy-saving tips for spring to reduce energy consumption and costs.
