Bright Ideas

Although it seems spring began mid- January, now is the time we are all thinking about spring cleaning. I’ve put together some spring cleaning staples, along with a few energy efficiency tips to bolster your home’s cleanliness this year. Hopefully, by using a few of the cost-saving measures, you’ll be saving energy and money in no time!

You’ll want to begin by dusting your light bulbs. While you’re at it, go ahead and make the switch to LEDs. You might be dusting the same bulbs in 2018, but you definitely won’t be changing them … at least until 2030. Also, use one bulb instead of multiple bulbs in a multi-bulb fixture whenever possible. A single 100-watt bulb produces the same amount of light as two 60-watt bulbs and uses 20 percent less energy. Never exceed the wattage of the light socket.

Be sure to also change your air filter.

While you’re out buying one, purchase a few more, so you will have some on hand (it’s recommended that you change it out or clean it once a month).

If you really want to get ready to save some money, consider an HVAC tuneup before the higher temperatures hit the area. An air conditioner that is not working properly can add hundreds of dollars to your electric bill. It is suggested that you get your air conditioner professionally inspected and cleaned annually. This way your air duct system is in top performance and can run at the highest efficiency come summer. (Note: If you have floor ducts, make sure they aren’t covered by furniture!) Consider installing a programmable thermostat if you are on somewhat of a schedule to allow for less HVAC usage while you are away, but for the house to be comfortable when you return home.

Also make sure your chimney’s damper is closed. You definitely don’t want air escaping or coming in this way.

Definitely plan to check the caulking and weather stripping along your windows and doors. If you can see light around your doors when shut, you need to install proper weather stripping to help reduce your cooling bill and lower unconditioned air infiltration.

If you haven’t already, use a foam insulation kit for your outlets and wall plates to reduce air from coming in these small holes. Every little bit counts, I assure you!

Speaking of windows, you might want to consider solar film for them. The film blocks UV rays, and regulates heat loss (and gain) year-round.

There are, however, cons to solar film, according to Home Guides. While the film requires little effort (and tools) in installation and removal and is cost-effective, you risk losing the warranty on your windows due to a broken factory seal (or even glass) due to high temperatures, or you might choose the wrong film. Do your research on which type of film is best for the room in question – you would need either newer, shiny window film or dark window film.

To bypass the film, and go for a possibly less aesthetically pleasing option, consider installing blackout curtains in rooms that see the most sunlight in the summer. Actually, scratch the less aesthetically pleasing part – there are some trendy options available. See designs such as “Kyra Blackout Grommet Panel Curtains” for noise reduction, energy savings and light shielding.

Finally, in the kitchen, check the condition of your appliances, especially the refrigerator. Check that the refrigerator door is sealed tightly by trying to pull a dollar bill out of the closed door. If it removes easily then the gasket needs to be replaced.

A couple more of my favorite ways to save energy and money include:

If you leave bathroom vents and stove vents on longer than necessary, you are blowing your costly conditioned air outside.

If you cool your house down to 70 degrees instead of 78 in the summer, it can increase your cooling bill approximately 60 percent. (Hint: Use portable fans and/or ceiling fans to move the air in a room you are in to help you feel cooler and set the thermostat on the air conditioner higher.)

Whether you clean routinely or annually, I hope a couple of these tips help you save energy and money in the coming months.

Karen E. Wissing works in Shreveport-Bossier City and loves her community.

E-mail your questions, comments or suggestions to [email protected].