Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to shake off the winter and enter into a new time of year. Longer days, warmer weather, and cookouts are only a few weeks away. And with the changing of the seasons comes some changes in your energy bills, so now is the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for the coming months.
A spring home energy checklist can help you accomplish everything you need to do to have an efficient home. These steps can help you and your family feel more comfortable while spending less money and helping the environment. It’s a win-win for everyone. Create your spring home maintenance checklist with the tips below.
Spring is the time to make sure you’re getting the most out of your home appliances with the least amount of energy consumption. Use this home energy checklist to get your house ready for the season.
Your water heater accounts for a large portion of your home energy bill — up to 25% in some instances. Many water heaters are set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Turning the setting down to 130 or even 120 degrees Fahrenheit could save you a considerable amount of money every month.
Choosing to turn down your water heater is also a good decision for the safety of your family members. A lower water heater setting keeps your taps running at comfortable temperatures. Turning down your water heater temperature could save you money while making sure your loved ones enjoy comfortable water temperatures.
Light bulbs have come a long way in recent years. Inefficient incandescent bulbs of the past are phasing out, while modern, energy-efficient LED bulbs are becoming the new standard. Some people feel the need to stick with incandescent bulbs because they give off more comfortable light. But today, the light from LED bulbs looks as good or even better than incandescents.
The best part is that LED bulbs can save you a lot of money. They’re more affordable to buy, last longer, and use less energy than incandescent bulbs, making LEDs the best choice for lighting your home.
When you start thinking of your home’s appliances, you’ll realize how extensive the list is. From your dishwasher and oven to your washer and dryer, you have plenty of devices that use up a lot of energy. If your appliances have energy-saving settings, you should use these as much as possible, as they can offer you monthly savings.
Some appliances offer better energy efficiency than others. See if any of your appliances are Energy Star-certified products. These options have the best energy-saving settings, can save you money on your energy bills, and help you care more for the environment.
Like light bulbs, appliances have become more energy-efficient in recent years. Modern appliances use state-of-the-art energy cycling and offer energy-efficient settings. If you have aging appliances, consider swapping them for new ones to reap the benefits of improved efficiency.
Old appliances often came off the shelves using a lot of energy. But as the years go by, their efficiency decreases even further. This spring, think about replacing your old appliances and the ability to Entrim some more dollars off your energy bill at the end of the month.
Insulation is a key part of a home’s energy efficiency. It keeps the external temperatures outside while locking in your interior temperatures. Without proper insulation, your climate-controlled inside air will seep out.
Go through your home and check for proper insulation, especially in your attic. Insulation can deteriorate, fall, or experience damage over time, so it’s important to check up on it. You could also hire a professional to make sure your home is ready for air conditioning with proper insulation. As a bonus, this springtime improvement will benefit your home every season — enjoy warmer interior temperatures in the winter and a cooler interior during the summer.
Take control of your home’s inside temperature with a programmable thermostat. With this, you’ll be able to set your house to the exact temperature you want, when you want it. More control could lead to more money saved at the end of the month.
Use your programmable thermostat to turn off your air conditioning when the house is empty or when everyone goes to sleep for the night. Smart thermostats provide even more customization options, allowing you to make adjustments to your home’s temperature using cellular data or Wi-Fi. You could lower your energy bills with a thermostat that puts you in charge of your home comfort.
Every little crack and opening in your home will result in decreased energy efficiency. Your HVAC system will have to work harder to bring your home to your desired temperature, rising energy costs. And in the end, you may need more frequent HVAC repairs and tuneups since your system will be working harder for satisfactory results.
Check windows for drafts or cracked caulking. Make sure weather stripping around doors is still in working order. Look for holes or cracks in walls and ceilings, sealing any that you find. Buttoning up your home will ensure the money you spend on cooling in the summer — and heating in the winter — is being put to good use.
Plan to get an AC tune-up before the warmer days turn into hot ones. HVAC preventative maintenance and repairs will make sure your air conditioner works when you need it to and that it’s running as efficiently as possible. Your service technician will see if any parts of your unit need replacement so you can be comfortable in your home, even on the hottest days.
When you use your air conditioner throughout the season, be sure to open all your vents. Leaving vents closed can put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Your air conditioner will work with greater efficiency with open vents, letting the air move as it needs to give your home even, efficient conditioning.
The spring is also an ideal time to replace your HVAC filters and get your ductwork cleaned. Air filters purify the air that passes through them, keeping your air conditioner and your home cleaner and safer. A clean filter makes cooling your home easier on your air conditioning system, which could lead to fewer repairs and malfunctions.
The same applies to your ducts. Dust, mold spores, and other pathogens can accumulate inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on your AC. With clean ductwork, you can be confident you’re breathing clean air. You can invest in your family’s health even more with indoor air purification equipment like the iWave Air Purifier or ultraviolet (UV) air purifiers. These items stay in your ducts and sanitize the air before it enters your home.
Every degree lower you set your thermostat during the summer demands more energy from your HVAC system. Try choosing higher temperatures for inside your home to lower your energy costs. Instead of opting for an icy 65 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot day, bump it up into the 70s to enjoy lower bills. See how high you can set it while still enjoying cool, dehumidified air.
You can also use energy-efficient cooling methods to cut costs even more. Ceiling fans, floor fans, and open windows are all low-cost ways to keep your home cool and comfortable. Make sure to switch the direction of your ceiling fans so they force air downwards, creating a cooling effect. If you open your windows on a cooler day, be sure to switch off your HVAC system so it doesn’t compensate for the exterior air coming in.
There’s a chance you could be paying too much for your energy bills. If you live in a deregulated state like Pennsylvania or Maryland, you could be enjoying the power of choice in where you get your electricity, propane, natural gas, heating oil, and other fuel sources. You may be able to find energy providers with lower rates and more flexible contract options than the ones you’re using now.
Gather your energy bills and compare the prices you’re paying to other providers in your area. If you find an energy provider with lower rates, contact them and ask for more information on what switching providers would look like. Consider Shipley Energy as your new provider for residential fuel and equipment services.
Having an energy-efficient home is more than crossing items off a checklist. It’s an investment in your home, the environment, and the community around you. Having an energy-efficient home is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your loved ones, the environment, and the world as a whole.
An energy-efficient home offers several benefits. Here are five of them:
If you live in regions throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania, Shipley Energy can help you enjoy greater energy efficiency for your home. Here are some of the services we offer:
This spring, make the switch to an energy provider that goes above and beyond to meet your needs. At Shipley Energy, your satisfaction is our goal. Whether you need maintenance, installation, fuel delivery, or any of our other services, you’ll feel the Shipley Energy difference when you make the switch to us.
Call us at 1-800-839-1849 or contact us online for more information. You can also check our current rates online to help you plan for your utility switch. We look forward to serving you and helping you achieve a more energy-efficient home.