40 Tips to Save on Energy Costs in Spring (and Summer)

Spring is the perfect time to give your wallet a break when it comes to expensive energy costs, and with Earth Day right around the corner (April 22nd) there is no better time to evaluate your energy usage and see where you can cut back. Throughout the country, households can turn off the heat and open the windows for warm sunlight and a no-cost natural breeze. Use these next few months to take full advantage of the spring weather and the much-welcomed dip on your energy bill.

Tips to prepare for the changing weather:

1. Block out the hot sun with blinds, shades and thick curtains.
2. Use white curtains to reflect the sun away from the house.
3. Close the curtains before you leave for work in the morning to block out the afternoon sun that warms certain rooms in your home while you’re away.
4. Do not underestimate the power of fans, especially ceiling fans and oscillating fans, for circulating air while using much less energy than AC.
5. Use cooler colors and fabrics in the summer. Pull out the light blue pillows or blanket, or paint the sunroom a cool sea green. Put away your flannel sheets and the dark wool blankets. Cooler colors and fabrics can make you feel cooler and you may be pleasantly surprised when you actually notice a difference.  
6. Humid air holds more heat than dry air: take lukewarm showers and baths instead of steaming up the bathroom.
7. Dehumidifiers use a lot of energy. If you use one, make sure it is the appropriate size for your home and that it is functioning properly.

When it’s time for the AC:

8. No matter where you live, you should not have the heat cranking one day only to switch the air conditioning on the next. Reevaluate your thermostat settings and try to maintain one temperature setting throughout the day and night.
9. Increase the temperature on your AC thermostat when you are out and when you are sleeping.
10. Use a ceiling fan and the AC simultaneously and try turning the AC up several degrees.
11. Clean your AC filters every month and replace them when needed– effective filters are a small price to pay for cool air on a hot day. Regular household dust clogs up filters quickly, especially if you’re a pet owner, and causes the AC unit to overwork (costing you unnecessary money in higher energy bills).
12. Avoid putting electronics and lamps near your thermostat; it can sense heat through appliances and will sense that your home is warmer than it really is, causing the AC to work harder than necessary.
13. Shut off vents in unused rooms and closets (and then shut those doors) so you don’t spend money cooling (or heating) rooms you’re not occupying.
14. Move furniture that blocks air vents. If you can’t move it to a different place in the room, at least move it a few inches from the wall.
15. Put independent AC units out of the sun, if possible; they work best when kept cool. Try installing one in a north-facing window.
16. Check your cooling system to make sure it is operating at peak efficiency.

Saving energy in the kitchen:

17. Use an exhaust fan to blow hot air out of your kitchen while you’re cooking.
18. Avoid turning on the oven and heating up the kitchen (or the entire floor) and use an outdoor grill instead.
19. Use your microwave, toaster oven, other appliances, or even the stovetop instead of the heat-producing oven to cook on hot days
20.  Postpone dishwashing (and laundry) until evening to avoid generating extra heat. (Consider hanging your laundry outside to dry in the warm sun.)
21. Wash only full loads of dishes (or clothes).
22. One electric company recommends setting your refrigerator temperature to 37-40 degrees and your freezer to 5 degrees. Don’t forget to make sure your fridge door seals tightly so it keeps cool air inside, where it belongs. 

Spring cleaning can save energy:

23. Check for air leaks when washing windows.
24. Clean your fan blades on ceiling and portable fans.
25. Clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator.
26. Rake dead leaves and trash away from your central air conditioner and trim brush and weeds away from the unit to maximize air flow.

Saving energy at work:

Even when you're not paying for the energy you use, you can still conserve; for instance at work….

27. Turn off lights in the bathroom, mail/copy room, meeting rooms or your office when these places are not in use.
28. Turn off copy machines, printers and faxes at night and over the weekends.
29. Make sure refrigerators in common areas are not left ajar.
30. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
31. Encourage your facilities manager to switch to energy-saving light bulbs to save money and energy year-round.
32. Learn more about energy-saving actions you can take at work here:  http://www.earthday.gov/atwork.htm#reduceenergy.

More energy-saving tips:

33. Caulk windows and doors to keep your home insulated.
34. Turn lights and fans off when leaving the room.
35. Lower your hot water thermostat to 120 degrees.
36. Insulate your hot water heater with a water heater tank insulation wrap to keep it from losing heat. 
37. Use energy-saving compact florescent light bulbs; they may cost a few bucks more at first, but they will last much, much longer and give off much less heat.
38. Don’t ignore leaky faucets; fix them immediately.
39. Research energy-saving appliances when old appliances break. You’ll make up the little extra you spend on the appliance with all the money you save on your future energy bills.
40. Don't forget your energy: Wearing lighter clothing can help cool you down without turning on the AC and don't forget to stay hydrated during extreme temperatures.

Simple conservation does add up to big savings, even though we can’t always see it. Learn more about energy conservation and other ways to save your finances as well as what you can do for our Earth at EarthDay.net and Earthday.gov.