Spring is here, and with it comes the chance to refresh your home or business. While spring cleaning often conjures images of decluttering shelves and mopping floors, it’s also an ideal time to focus on cleaning up your energy usage. At UGI EnergyLink, we’re committed to energy efficiency. That’s why we’re sharing six energy-saving spring-cleaning tips for your home or business to perform their best this season:
Tip 1: Clean and Maintain Your HVAC System
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system works hard year-round to keep your home or business comfortable. Spring is the perfect time to give it some attention.
- Replace or clean air filters. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy. To improve efficiency, replace disposable filters every 60 to 90 days or clean reusable ones.
- Schedule professional maintenance. A professional HVAC tune-up can ensure your system is running at peak performance. Technicians can clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and identify potential issues before they become costly problems.
- Clear vents and registers. Ensure that furniture, rugs, or other objects aren’t blocking vents. Proper airflow is essential for efficient heating and cooling.
With a little attention this spring, you can ensure your HVAC system is in shape.
Tip 2: Seal Air Leaks
Openings around windows, doors, and more let heat and cool air escape, increasing your energy costs.
- Inspect weatherstripping. Check the seals around doors and windows for wear and tear. Replace any damaged weatherstripping to keep cool air in during the summer.
- Caulk gaps. Use caulk to seal gaps around window frames, baseboards, and other areas where air might leak.
- Consider energy-efficient upgrades. If your windows or doors are old, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models to improve insulation and reduce energy loss.
Sealing leaks is estimated to save 15% on energy costs each year. Adding these energy-saving spring-cleaning tips to your routine can ensure you can save on your energy costs, too!
Tip 3: Clean and Inspect Appliances
Whether you’re clearing dust or replacing filters, a little spring cleaning on these appliances can benefit your home or business.
- Refrigerator coils. Dust and debris on your refrigerator’s condenser coils can reduce its efficiency. Vacuum the coils to keep your fridge running smoothly.
- Dryer vents. A clogged dryer vent poses a fire hazard and makes your dryer less efficient. Clean the lint trap and vent hose to improve airflow and reduce drying time.
- Dishwashers and washing machines. Check for debris or mineral buildup in your dishwasher and washing machine. Clean filters and run a maintenance cycle with vinegar to keep them running efficiently.
Tip 4: Avoid Handwashing Dishes & Use an ENERGY STAR Dishwasher
Most people know that washing dishes by hand uses significantly more water than using a dishwasher, yet there’s more you can do to save water and energy.
This spring, consider upgrading your dishwasher to an ENERGY STAR product. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these models use 12% less energy and 30% less water than a standard model.
Tip 5: Inspect and Clean Water Heaters
On average, water heaters account for 18% of a home’s energy use and are the second largest energy expense. Your water heater is another appliance that can benefit from spring maintenance.
- Flush the tank. Sediment buildup in your water heater tank can reduce its efficiency. Drain and flush the tank to remove sediment and improve performance.
- Lower the temperature. Most water heaters are set to 140°F, but the U.S Department of Energy recommends lowering the temperature to 120°F to save energy without sacrificing comfort.
- Insulate pipes. Insulating hot water pipes can reduce heat loss and help your water heater work more efficiently.
Tip 6: Optimize Lighting
Lighting also accounts for a significant portion of energy use in homes and businesses. Optimizing your lighting will improve energy efficiency and cut costs.
- Switch to LED bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Replace old bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
- Clean light fixtures. Dust and dirt can reduce the brightness of your lights, causing you to use more energy. Wipe down fixtures and replace any dim bulbs.
- Use natural light. Spring forward into cost savings. Take advantage of longer daylight hours by opening curtains and blinds. This can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Spring Into Action and Save with UGI EnergyLink
At UGI EnergyLink, we’re committed to optimizing your energy usage. By implementing these energy-saving spring-cleaning tips, you can cut costs and improve the performance of your home or business.
From following these tips to providing our customers with customized plans, we’re here to find personalized solutions to your energy needs. Don’t wait; enroll today!