Saving energy and saving water can both help you save money on your utility bills. Due to the significant weather and temperature variations, your home requires different care throughout the different seasons.

Even though we still have a few weeks left of winter and cool weather, it’s time to consider getting your home and yourself ready for the highly-anticipated spring season! Lucky for you (and just in time for your annual spring cleaning), we’ve identified below a few easy things you can add to your to-do list for preparing and maintaining an energy-efficient home throughout the warmer months of the year.

Follow these simple ideas and keep your home comfortable and energy efficient as the warmer temperatures greet us within the next couple of weeks.

Cooling & Heating

  • First and foremost, show your air conditioning system a little TLC to ensure it runs efficiently and safely throughout the season. Replace filters, check refrigerant levels, and clean your coils. If it’s been a while since you’ve had one, you may even want to consider scheduling an inspection from a certified HVAC technician who can help troubleshoot any issues before they become inconvenient and unexpected expenses.
  • Switch back the direction of your ceiling fan to counter-clockwise to help cool your home.
  • Use your thermostat to your advantage – set it as high as comfortably possible during warm weather. A tip you can always count on is that the smallest difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
  • Remember that when first turning on your air conditioning, you don’t need to set it at a colder than normal setting. This will NOT cool your home any faster and will just end up being an unnecessary expense.
  • A programmable thermostat is a great way to regulate your home’s temperature when you are/are not home and therefore can help you cut back on cooling costs. If you don’t already have one, it’s time to consider investing in one!
  • Embrace natural ventilation by opening the windows in the evening to allow the cooler air in and then close them in the morning to capture the cool for the remainder of the day. Cooling your home without switching on the AC is an ideal tactic in spring when the temperatures are mild.
  • According to the DOE, water heating accounts for a whopping 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warmer setting (which is 120 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Take showers instead of baths.

Avoiding Air Leaks

  • As you did to get your home ready for the winter, you’ll want to check your home for any leaks.
  • Check all areas like doors, fireplace chimneys, furnaces, water heaters, electrical wiring, plumbing, windows, etc.
  • After detecting any leaks, use low-cost caulk to seal any cracks and openings in your home.
  • You can use foam sealant on larger gaps around windows and baseboards.
  • Cover your kitchen exhaust fan to stop air leaks when not in use.
  • Keep the fireplace flue damper shut during the warmer months of the season when it’s not being used.

Lighting

  • Take advantage of daylight instead of artificial lighting.
  • Seems simple enough, but remember to turn off lights when you leave a room.
  • If you haven’t done so already, upgrade all of the lightbulbs in your home to LED bulbs. Not only are they more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, but they also last longer and are better for the environment! There are so many LED bulbs for you to choose from through the Ecogold Loyalty Program – just log in to your account to browse through the selection.

Cooking & Cleaning

  • On warmer days, avoid using the oven. Cook on the stove, in the microwave, and if the weather permits, grill outside!
  • Minimize activities that generate a lot of heat in general – i.e. running a dishwasher or washing machine.
  • Wash dishes and clothing by hand and allow them to air dry instead.

Kiwi Energy prioritizes helping customers be more energy-efficient and live more sustainably, which is why we encourage you to remain energy-conscious as we enter the new season. We hope that by following these tips, you can help reduce your energy usage as well as your environmental impact.

If you’re not already a customer, give us a call to learn about how you can start living more sustainably today! 1.877.208.7636.