Spring cleaning can do more than clear out your closets; it can also lower your energy expenditure, keeping more of your hard-earned dollars in the bank.
Gentec Services recommends five things homeowners can do during spring cleaning to save money:
Clean or change heating and air conditioning filters regularly. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm. Residential heating and cooling systems account for over 50 percent of the energy costs in the average Bay Area home. A properly maintained system can be 30 to 40 percent more efficient than one that is not properly taken care of.
Use low-flow faucets and shower heads to save on water bills. Replacing older water fixtures with low-flowing ones is a relatively low-cost and quick way for your home to conserve water and save money. For maximum water efficiency, select a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute.
Reduce water heater temperature to 130 degrees Fahrenheit to save energy and money on heating water. It’s also a good practice to wrap the water storage tank in a specially-designed, insulated thermal blanket to retain the heat.
Install a programmable thermostat to save up to 10 percent on cooling and heating costs. The percentage of savings from setback is greater for buildings in milder climates than for those in more severe climates. Although thermostats can be adjusted manually, programmable thermostats will avoid any discomfort by returning temperatures to normal before you wake or return home.
Install a security alarm system. By setting an alarm system to “arm” upon leaving the home, this event can command lights to turn off. Additionally, when you cross a predetermined “Geo Fence” (set by the homeowner) the physical location of the homeowner’s phone can easily turn off lights, lamps, plugs and appliances as well. It’s always good practice to turn off electronics whenever possible. A power strip can help turn off multiple items at once. In addition to turning off lights manually, you may want to consider using sensors, timers and other automatic lighting controls.
Source: Gentec Services
