10 Easy Ways to Control Energy Use in the Spring

Spring is synonymous with inflated energy bills that come with the increased need to keep homes well heated. Consequently, the search for ways to minimize your monthly bills without foregoing your family’s comfort is not unusual. If you are looking for ways to keep your energy bills in check, here are some steps you can take to control energy use while maintaining manageable energy costs during the spring season:

Schedule a pre-season system checkup
It is advisable to schedule a pre-season system checkup for your HVAC system during fall. This ensures that all its components are in good working order before the onset of the cold season. Most of the cooling and heating systems use the same components all year long subjecting them to increased tear and wear. Thus, a pre-spring season check is important in helping to deal with potential problems that could crop up during spring.

Change the furnace filter
Installation of a good air filter is an inexpensive and simple way of improving your system’s efficiency in addition to improving the quality of indoor air when all the doors and windows are shut most of the time. Be sure to check the filter’s Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). This is usually on the package and runs from 1 to 20. The high the number means more efficiency in capturing air particles.

Use a Programmable Thermostat
Modern thermostats that are programmable are an asset in your quest to control energy use during spring. These thermostats can be set a little lower at night and times when you are not at home. They can also be set to restore the temperature back to a desired level of comfort when needed.

Install a higher efficiency furnace
Having an old furnace during spring means you will be losing out on efficiency. Today, many furnaces are more than 90% efficient. Generally, the industry standard for determining the efficiency of the furnace in conversion fuel is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. This rating is usually indicated on the surface of the furnace. Ultimately, be sure to choose the right furnace size before installation because a big furnace might be large and less energy efficient. In addition, it may also result in loss of heat.

Install a humidifier
If you are using a forced air heating system, the air is bound to become too dry that moisture needs to be added in the air ostensibly to prevent health issues. In this case, you can consider adding a stand-alone humidifier on the HVAC system effectively saving you money.

There are numerous other ways of controlling your energy use during the spring. They include the following:

Sealing the area around doors and windows
You will do well to check for any drafts around windows and doors sealing them where possible. The area around outlets and switches should also be sealed. Sealing ensures that cold air does not find its way into the house, which causes the furnaces to work overdrive to keep the house warm.

Isolate the areas that are not insulated and improve insulation
Always ensure that the doors opening into the garage or the attic areas and basement are closed. You can improve the insulation of your home during any season of the year to reduce loss of heat thereby helping to control the use of energy, effectively lowering your utility bills.

Unblock heating vents
Be sure to move any drapes or furniture blocking air vents so that the heated air circulates freely. Ensure that that vents are open fully. Owners of traditional gas furnaces will particularly benefit from this as it will promote proper functioning of the heating system. However, if you have an alternative heating system then you can consider other ways of managing energy during spring.

Install storm doors and windows
Although some homes already have the double or triple pane windows, owners of older homes may have single pane windows that allow drafts. Installing storm windows is a good investment that will contribute to controlling your energy use in spring.

Close fireplace dampers
Fireplace dampers are seen as a major area where heat loss occurs. Therefore, closing them when they are not in use will help to prevent heat loss hence less energy will be used to keep the home warm.
If you are thinking of ways of saving energy during spring but do not know where to begin, you can consider giving us a call.