Spring is here! The snow is melting, the flowers are blooming and the weather is finally nice enough to enjoy some time outside. Spring also presents a number of ways to reduce your energy costs.
- Open windows: When it’s not too cold but not too hot (somewhere between 50 and 80 degrees), turn off the furnace and air conditioning and let some outside air in. So long as the temperature is pleasant, you will feel comfortable and have fresher air, along with a lower heating and cooling bill.
- Have your ceiling fan run counterclockwise: When it is warmer outside, you want to feel the air being produced by your ceiling fan. Many ceiling fans have switches that allow you to change the direction of rotation; make sure the blades are running counterclockwise, as this blows the air straight down. This uses less energy and will also cool the room sufficiently so you won’t have to turn the air conditioner on.
- Take advantage of natural light. Sunlight is one of the best parts about spring and summer! Rather than turning on the lights in your home during the day, open up your curtains and let the sunshine in! Days are longer, too; meaning you won’t have to turn lights on until late into the evening. Be aware that this can cause the temperature inside your home to rise significantly on a very hot day.
- Save the chores for later. Certain tasks, such as laundry and dishes, produce heat. If you do them during the day, it may cause inside temperatures to rise to an uncomfortable level. You can save money just by waiting to do these things until the sun goes down.
Happy spring!
Courtesy of US News
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/03/25/4-ways-to-lower-your-home-energy-bill-this-spring
