How to Reduce Energy Use in Spring This Year

 

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This winter has been, and it still is, a little harsh on your energy use. But the great news is that warmer weather is close. But even in spring, you can use a lot of energy. So it makes sense to still take steps to reduce energy use in spring. Here are some tips to get you started.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Home Materials

There are some energy-efficient home materials that can help reduce energy use and lower energy bills. For example, proper insulation in the walls, roof, and floor can help reduce heat transfer and keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Additionally, roofing metal reflects UV rays back into the atmosphere, keeping you safer and cooler when the heat begins to rise. And the initial cost is offset by the savings you make on temperature control.
Use Natural Light to Reduce Energy Use in Spring

Using natural light is an easy and effective way to use less energy and pay less for energy. You can use natural light in your home in a lot of different ways. You can, of course, open the curtains or blinds to let in natural light. This can both heat and light your home. This is a better way to use the extra daylight. Skylights are another way to bring natural light into rooms that don't have windows to the outside, like a loft or a finished basement as an office or living space.
Check Your Home for Air Leaks

Along with the roof and windows, air leaks cause a lot of warm air to escape. Cold air can also get into your home through air leaks. This means that you either use more energy to heat or cool your home. So, you should look for air leaks in your home. The first step is to look for gaps around windows, doors, and other places where two building materials meet. A good trick is to hold a lighter or a candle near a place where you think air is leaking and watch for flickering.
Adjust Your Thermostat Accordingly

During spring, the heat in your home can change a lot. As winter ends, it can take a while to get to the right temperature. But it's hard because spring weather is so unpredictable. But you can change the temperature slowly. As the weather gets warmer, make small changes to your thermostat. This will give your HVAC system time to adjust and save energy. Get a programmable thermostat if you don't already have one so you can set a schedule.
Shade Your Sunny Windows

Shading your sunny windows can help reduce heat gain in your home, which can lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. There are also some health benefits, such as blocking out harmful UV rays. So, here are some ways to shade your sunniest areas:

Install window shades or blinds across your home's windows.


Use curtains or drapes that are heavy enough to block heat and UV.


Install exterior shading such as shutters.


Use reflective film on your windows to block UV rays.


Plant trees and shrubs near your sunny areas to provide some shade.


Install shading devices for sitting outside, such as pergolas and awnings.


Paint your windows using special shading and UV blocker paint.

Some of these are easy to do and provide excellent short-term solutions, such as using curtains to block light. However, long-term solutions like planting trees and shrubs are cheaper and more natural. You can use fast-growing plants like bamboo to see a difference within a year or two.
Wash Clothing at Colder Temperatures

We've all grown up thinking that we have to wash our clothes when it's really hot. But unless your clothes are very dirty, you don't need to do this. And washing clothes in cold water will save a lot of energy. Cold water washes use less energy, so you can save money on your energy bills and make less of an impact on the environment. But washing clothes at cooler temperatures can also help keep delicate fabrics, colors, and patterns from fading, shrinking or losing shape.
Install LED Lighting Solutions

Traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights use a lot more energy than LED lights. They use up to 80% less energy, which means that over time, you can save a lot of money on energy. LED lights last a lot longer than other kinds of lights. So they need to be changed out less often. This can save you money on replacements and cut down on waste. Also, LED lights give off good light that can make your home look better and make it easier to see.
Reduce Energy Use in Spring by Cooking Outside

Like most people, you probably can't wait until spring to get outside and fire up the grill. Cooking outside is not only more fun, but it also keeps your house from getting too hot. This can help keep your house cooler and more comfortable, so you won't need to use your HVAC as much. But of course, cooking on a grill or outdoor stove usually uses less energy than cooking on an indoor stove, which can save you money on your energy bills when making a big meal.
Switch Off Your Electronic Devices

Even though we are more aware of energy use now, many of us still leave things on, like our cell phone chargers. But turning off your electronics when you're not using them can help you save money on your energy bills and cut down on the amount of energy they use. If you unplug your devices when they're not in use, they'll use less power when they're just sitting there. And many modern electronics have a "sleep" mode for when the device is not being used.
Summary

Warmer weather doesn't necessarily mean lower bills. So you can help yourself if you take steps to reduce energy use in spring. It can be a challenge. Some easy methods include switching to efficient home materials, shading your windows, and switching off electronics when not in use.

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