Energy Saving Tips for Spring

The cold winter months are behind us, and the days are getting longer. Spring has arrived, and before you know it, it’ll be warm enough to turn on the air conditioner.

But before the heat of summer arrives, the comforts of spring are an opportune time to take advantage of ways to save on your energy usage and costs. Now is the time of year to consider scaling back your furnace and electricity usages, while maintaining a level of comfort in your home.

Open your windows

Your windows are a major factor in your energy usage year-round and you can open your curtains and blinds to let sunlight warm the room naturally. Since the days are getting longer, you can use the daylight in place of lamps, too. This will cut down your electric usage.

If the weather is good, open the windows to allow fresh air in. Not only will this help cool the space if it’s warm, but it will deodorize and circulate the air inside your home. If you find any windows that are drafty, locate and seal the leaks to maintain their efficiency.

Adjust your thermostat

Although the weather is warming up, you still may have your heat on, especially at night. A programmable thermostat is an effective, easy to use device that can help you save significantly on your heating and cooling costs. When you are at home, you can set the temperature as low as you need for comfort. When you are out of the house for a longer time, turn the thermostat back a few degrees. This can save significantly on your heating bills in the long run. A smart or programmable thermostat can make this process automatic.

Use energy-saving lighting

Energy-saving lighting is a great investment all year. When you combine that with utilizing the natural light provided by the longer spring, you’ll get a noticeable jumpstart on your savings. When it is time to turn the lights on, LED lightbulbs are great for any lamp or lighting fixture in your home. This type of lighting is low-emitting and can help reduce costs of power usage. Look for products that are ENERGY STAR ® certified when shopping for new bulbs.

These are just a few simple ways to help you save energy this spring. For more tips on how to maximize your home’s energy efficiency, visit our website or call us at 815-288-7841.

Ace Hardware & Outdoor Center

900 N Galena Ave

Dixon, IL 61021