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Energy Saving Tips for Spring Prepare for warmer days ahead
Warmer days will soon be upon us, and spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the weather – and to open the windows and let the fresh air in.
Give your energy bill a break by turning off your heating and cooling system whenever moderate temperatures allow. Then follow these home-improvement tips that will help net energy savings all year round.
Clean leaves and dirt from the outside of your cooling system unit, and have a professional
give it a tune-up before hot weather hits.
Some carefully planned yard work can save on energy costs. Shrubbery planted about one foot from exterior walls creates a dead-air space that insulates your home in summer and winter.
Install room air conditioners in a north-facing wall
or window to keep the unit out of direct sunlight. Planting trees nearby to shade the unit will reduce electric usage by about 10 percent.
Insulate yourself from through-the-roof energy
loss by having at least 15.5 inches of insulation
on the attic floor.
Get with the program. An Energy Star
programmable thermostat, which automates the task of adjusting your home’s temperature for day, night and away-from-home settings, can save you up to $115 per year.
Installing window film not only saves on cooling
costs and protects furniture from fading, but it’s also eligible for a federal tax credit.
Make the switch. Compact fluorescent light
bulbs use one-fourth the energy and last 10 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs. That translates to a savings of $30 to $40 over the life of each bulb.
Turn back the dial. If you have central
air conditioning, you could save between 6 and 7 percent for every degree above 78 that you adjust your thermostat.
While you’re online, find out about cash incentives for building that new home to energy guidelines. You might also qualify for a rebate when upgrading your water heater or installing a heat pump.
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