Thanks to Marie Kondo’s Tidying Up series on Netflix, we’ve been hearing about how having an uncluttered home can “spark joy” in our lives — but did you know that spring cleaning can also lower your energy bills? You mean, a little vacuuming and dusting could help us save money every month?
That’s right! Doing a nice deep clean of your home can have multiple benefits, including improving indoor air quality and keeping your energy costs down. Ready to get started? Here are a few suggestions for making the most of your spring cleaning efforts.
Ceiling Fans
Have you taken a look at your ceiling fan lately? You’ll probably be shocked by the amount of dirt and grime that has accumulated on the blades. Use a duster to remove particles (do this before vacuuming or cleaning your floors!) and then wipe them down, if necessary.
While you’re up there, go ahead and change the direction of its spin. When ceiling fans rotate counter-clockwise, they help circulate cool air. This can reduce the dependency on your air conditioner — a huge contributor to your energy costs during Virginia’s hot summers — and save money.
The Fridge
Your refrigerator uses up a significant portion of your home’s energy, and the more food you have, the harder it has to work. During your spring cleaning, get rid of anything that’s past its expiry date and remove any foods that don’t actually need to be refrigerated.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to clear the dust from the condenser coils at the bottom of your fridge. You’d be amazed by how much dirt, pet hair and other contaminants can collect, dramatically impacting your fridge’s efficiency. Finally, double-check the seal on your fridge door to make sure it’s clean and tight.
Windows & Doors
After long months of snowy, rainy, muddy conditions, your windows and doors could probably use a good cleaning. While you’re wiping away the grime, you should also consider doing the following:
- Install energy-efficient window treatments to keep your home cooler.
- Open windows and create a cross breeze before turning on your air conditioner.
- Use a window fan to blow warm air out of the house.
- Check for drafts near windows and doors.
- Clean sliding door tracks to remove debris and protect the seal.
Need a helpful hack for finding drafts? Light a stick of incense and hold it near any questionable spots where you suspect air is escaping. If there’s a leak, you’ll see the smoke moving back and forth or even being sucked out of the house!
All That Dust
One of the best things you can do for your home is get rid of all the dust that has accumulated over the winter months (especially if anyone came down with a cold or flu). Be sure to wipe down electronics, motors, light bulbs and office equipment to keep everything running at top efficiency.
Thoroughly vacuum any rugs/carpeted areas with a vacuum that uses a HEPA filter. Once everything is sparkling, consider investing in an air purifier to help remove contaminants and improve indoor air quality.
HVAC Maintenance
Finally, probably the most important thing you can do is have your HVAC unit serviced. After working hard all winter, it needs a spring cleaning too! Best of all, by committing to regular maintenance, you can reduce your energy consumption by up to 15 percent! Here are some things your technician may do:
- Replace the air filter.
- Service your air conditioner
- Clean air ducts and vents.
- Inspect indoor and outdoor components.
During your appointment, be sure to share any specific concerns with the technician. Do you have allergies or pets in the home? This can impact which air filter you should use. Have you been noticing any hot or cold spots in the house? A technician can help check that your vents aren’t leaking or haven’t become dislodged.
Call W.G. Speeks
Springtime is a great opportunity to give your home a deep cleaning and a fresh start, so open those windows, dust off the cobwebs and spruce things up! While we can’t help with your decluttering efforts, we can help ensure that your HVAC is primed and ready for the hot, humid Virginia summers.
Don’t wait till your cooling system breaks down at the worst possible time (which tends to be the hottest day of the year!). Avoid those costly emergency expenses, and call W.G. Speeks for a free consultation today. Our NATE-certified technicians are here to help and provide excellent customer service.
Skip to content