Don’t skip my crucial spring cleaning jobs – your home will look better and they’ll slash your summer energy bills too
AS summer nears, taking care of spring cleaning around your property doesn’t have to do with decluttering or organizing.
When done effectively, it can also cut down your energy bills and make your home look better.
Payless Power CEO Brandon Young revealed a few DIY cleaning tasks that should be at the top of your to-do list to reduce energy consumption.
CLEAN WINDOWS
“Your windows play an important role in regulating indoor temperature,” he said.
Young explained that dirt, grime, and even mineral deposits can accumulate on the glass over time, which can prevent sunlight from filtering in.
He recommended thoroughly cleaning the inside and outside of your windows to allow natural light to enter your home.
This will reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day and ultimately save money.
UNCLOG AIR VENTS
Next, Young emphasized the importance of unclogging your air vents.
“Your HVAC system works tirelessly to keep your home comfortable year-round,” he said.
However, he added that clogged air vents can obstruct airflow, which can force it to work harder and consume more energy.
So, take some time to vacuum the dust and debris in and around your air vents.
He explained that this simple job can improve overall air quality in your home, enhance system efficiency, and ultimately reduce your cost of living.
VACUUM REFRIGERATOR COILS
Young called the refrigerator “one of the biggest energy consumers in your home.”
“As temperatures rise, your fridge works overtime to maintain coolness, thus consuming more energy in the process,” he explained.
He advised vacuuming the coils at the back or bottom of your refrigerator because dust and debris can grow there, “insulating the coils and impeding heat transfer.”
Your fridge can operate better and reduce energy consumption by keeping them clean.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT BULBS
Young also advised swapping out old-fashioned incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LED alternatives.
“Not only do LED bulbs consume significantly less energy, but they also produce less heat,” he explained.
This helps keep your home cooler during the summer months.
STANDBY STOP
He also recommended taking accountability for devices that still draw power even when they’re not on.
Young described this phenomenon as standby or “vampire power,” so unplug any unnecessary appliances.
He suggested investing in smart power strips to completely cut off the power supply when devices are not in use.
This step can lead to substantial savings down the line.
SEAL LEAKS
“Take a stroll around your home and inspect windows, doors, and any other openings for air leaks,” Young said.
Even the smallest gaps can allow cool air to escape your home in the summer and potentially drive up bills.
You can seal these leaks using weatherstripping or caulking found at your local Home Depot to create a tighter seal.
COLD CLEAN
Young also reminded people to clean their air conditioners by replacing or cleaning the air filters to “ensure proper airflow.”
Then, he said to “gently clean” the condenser coils and remove any debris around the outdoor unit.
“You’re likely to use your air conditioner a lot more during the scorching summer months so to help it operate more efficiently, give it a thorough cleaning,” he explained.
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you when you clean your home next:
- How to clean your shower to ensure it’s always sparkling
- What to do to get rid of nasty odors in your home
- Here’s how to get your home smelling like fresh laundry
- You’re cleaning your pots and pans all wrong – here’s a trick to remove the residue
- These are five hacks to ensure your kitchen is spotless
- What you need to know when cleaning your bathroom
- This trick will ensure your washing machine is clean and smells great
- This cheap, easy trick will remove your mold from grout without scrubbing
- These simple items will make your carpet clean and look brand new
- This ‘lazy’ hack will ensure your oven is clean for pennies
ALTERNATIVE METHODS
Lastly, don’t forget to use ceiling fans as a long-term and cost-effective method to cool your space.
During the summer months, Young said to set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze and circulate cool air around.
“This simple adjustment can make your home feel several degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting and save on energy costs,” he explained.