10 Energy-Saving Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring cleaning is not only a chance to organize your home, but it’s also a chance to enhance its energy efficiency and reduce your energy costs.

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Here are 10 energy-saving tips to include in your spring cleaning routine:

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Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs

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While you are spring cleaning your place, check if all the bulbs are working. If it’s time to replace them, here’s how you can dispose them of sustainably. Use this opportunity to switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs. They can cost more upfront, but LEDs last about 30 times longer than incandescent bulbs and use at least 75% less electricity. This results in a lower energy bill over time. Plus, with their longer lifespan, LEDs end up costing about 90% less per hour used.

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Service your HVAC system

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Maintaining your HVAC system is crucial for efficiency and air quality. Take this opportunity to clean or replace the air filters. It can improve airflow and lower energy consumption by up to 15%. You can also clean the evaporator coil which will ensure optimal performance and energy savings.

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Check your ceiling fans

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Change your ceiling fans' direction to counterclockwise during your spring cleaning. You can do this using a small switch on your fan. This creates a downdraft, pushing cool air below, making your home feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.

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As the weather warms up, try to use ceiling fans instead of air conditioning. They lower your energy bill and cool your home. 

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Install smart window coverings

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For a touch of style and energy efficiency, consider installing smart window shades, blinds, or curtains. Rather than manually adjusting your curtains or blinds, you can control their smart counterparts via your phone or smart home devices like Alexa. These window coverings can also be automated to open and close at specific times. This ensures your home receives the right amount of sunlight and heat to maintain an optimal temperature, reducing reliance on air conditioning and heating, and ultimately saving energy.

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Check your window and door openings

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Clean and check your doors, windows, screens, and tracks to ensure a proper seal and prevent air leaks. If your home has sliding glass doors, keep the tracks clean to maintain the seal and avoid air escape. Consider using weather stripping, duct tape, and caulking to seal any openings. Leaky air ducts can reduce the efficiency of heating and cooling systems by up to 30%, so sealing and insulating them can save significant energy and money.

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Clean your refrigerator

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The refrigerator is a major energy consumer in a home. To enhance its energy efficiency, make sure the door seals are clean and tight. This will prevent cold air loss and keep food fresh for longer. Clean the refrigerator coils to eliminate dust accumulation, as dirty coils force the fridge to work harder and raise your electricity bill.

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Maintain your washing machine

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To maintain your washing machine's effectiveness, it's crucial to keep it clean. Accumulated dirt, lint, and soap residue can hinder its performance. Avoid mold accumulation by cleaning the seals, gaskets, dispensers, as well as the rim and filter of the tub. Soak towels in hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar and place them in the gasket's cavities to loosen any grease or mold. To clean the rim of the tub, use a similarly soaked towel to scrub the top edges and any areas exposed to water.

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Replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones

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While cleaning, if you find appliances that can't be repaired, consider replacing them with energy-efficient models. Appliances account for about 13% of your home's energy usage. Energy-efficient appliances can lower this usage and provide long-term savings. A practical way to achieve this is by investing in appliances with an ENERGY STAR certification. Though they may have a higher initial cost, their reduced energy usage can lower your monthly utility bills over time.

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Dusting off electronics

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When cleaning shelves and countertops, remember to dust your electronics. Dust can hinder motorized and electronic equipment, reducing their efficiency. To avoid wasting energy, regularly dust off your computer, office equipment, other electronics, light bulbs, and refrigerator coils.

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Gardening for energy efficiency

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If you are planning to clean your yard as part of the spring cleaning, you can deploy simple landscaping techniques to save energy. Strategically placed trees and shrubs can insulate your home by providing shade in the summer and blocking wind in the winter, helping you save on heating and cooling costs and reduce your carbon footprint at home.