Spring is a time of growth — and washing away the winter. “When warmer weather hits and you get the urge to clean, it’s also a good time for improving your home’s energy efficiency,” said Matt Babbitts, residential program manager for Clark Public Utilities.
Here are 10 ideas to wipe up wasted energy as you spring clean this year.
• Safeguard your heating system. Spring is a good time to do the basics and change the filters on your heat pump or furnace. They should be changed or cleaned at least twice a year, and more often if you have shedding pets and family members with allergies. Outside, clear off any debris around or on the unit.
Reverse your ceiling fan. During the winter you want ceiling fans to pull air up by spinning clockwise. In the spring and summer, you want them to push air down. In spring, reverse yours to spin counterclockwise for cooling.
• Hunt down air leaks. Examine your siding for any splits or cracks and fill them with caulking. Older windows can be missing glaze that needs replacing. Check for tattered weather stripping around exterior doors and windows. Don’t forget about the one going into the garage. If it doesn’t have weather stripping, install some.
• Drain the water heater. Sediment can build up in the tank and lower the efficiency. During the warm weather, it’s a good idea to hook a hose to the faucet at the bottom of your water heater and drain the sediment outside. Also, check to see that your water temperature is set to 120 degrees to avoid scalding and wasting extra energy.
• Clean up fans and air conditioners. Properly stored fans and air conditioners may need a simple wipe-down to be ready for use. If you tucked yours directly into the garage after the final hot day last year, you may need to do more. When you remove your fans from storage, wipe and dust off the blades. For portable air conditioners, clean off the condenser coils. When you’ve finished, get out the manual and locate where the filters are. Replace them. Dirty filters make AC units work harder to keep the room cool.
• Reset your thermostat. Raise the temperature setting to 78 degrees for the spring and summer months so the AC doesn’t kick on when a ceiling or room fan will do.
• Spruce up the refrigerator. Move it away from the wall and vacuum behind and under it. Don’t forget the fridge in the basement or that extra one in the garage. “If your fridge is more than a dozen years old, consider buying one with an Energy Star efficiency rating,” said Babbitts. “Even the most basic new models are significantly more efficient than older fridges.”
• Plant a tree. Trees can block the sun hitting the south side of your home and help to keep it cool. Plant a native deciduous tree this spring to shade your house and reap the benefits in years to come. In the winter, with the leaves gone, the tree will let the sun warm your home. But, be sure to dial 811 first and allow two business days before digging to have your utility lines marked. Also be sure not to plant trees under or near power lines or other utility equipment.
• Use a clothesline. As the days get longer and warmer, you can trim your electric bill by using solar power. Drying several loads of laundry in a machine each week adds up and air drying during nice weather can be a convenient cost-saver. The same is true for drying dishes.
“Using appliances less often helps lower the heat building up in your home on hot days,” Babbitts said. “So it costs less to keep it cool and comfortable inside.”
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98688.
