Spring is in the air. In warmer climates such as Texas, this means colorful flowers will soon start blooming and the outdoor temperature will inevitably rise.
While air conditioning can be hard to avoid on hot spring days, there are many ways homes can be energy-efficient during this temperate season. Read on to learn our eight simple tips to save energy this spring. These tips can be particularly important during COVID-19 lockdowns, when many Texas residential users are using more power.
Service your air conditioner
When you start making your annual spring-cleaning to-do list, you might want to put servicing your air conditioner at the top of the list. An air conditioner tune-up can reduce your energy bill by about 15 percent, according to the Department of Energy. Air conditioners, like most appliances, should get an annual maintenance check to be utilized optimally.
You should make it a routine to replace air conditioning filters, check refrigerant levels and clean evaporator coils just before you start ramping up their usage each year. If this is a job you’re not comfortable doing, a certified HVAC technician can ensure your unit is operating efficiently and using as little energy as possible.
Open the windows
One simple way to reduce energy consumption this spring is to open the windows and cool your home down the environmentally friendly way. Spring is the ideal time of year to turn the HVAC system off and enjoy some energy savings.
Make it a habit of opening the windows in the evening and closing them the next morning just before the temperature starts rising. Open windows can create a cross breeze which is a great cooling option when temperatures are mild.
On warm days when the windows aren’t doing the trick, consider using a ceiling fan before turning on the air conditioner. Ceiling fans use less energy and can have a similar cooling effect – just don’t forget to turn them off when you leave the room to conserve energy.
Cook outdoors
Spring evenings are a great time to fire up the outdoor grill before the summer heat rolls in. Outdoor grilling is also an easy way to conserve energy.
When you cook in an indoor kitchen, the stove isn’t the only thing you’re heating. You’re also increasing the temperature in adjacent rooms by several degrees which can lead to more air conditioner usage and a jolt in your energy bill.
Use a programmable thermostat
The Department of Energy says you can reduce energy costs by approximately 10 percent by programming a thermostat to a higher temperature when you are not going to be home.
