by Sam Zastrow, Outreach and Education Market Manager
Are you changing your energy habits with the changing seasons? As we transition between weather patterns in the spring and fall there are transitions you should make at home to save energy and money. Improving the energy efficiency of your home does more than lower your energy bill, it also reduces your environmental impact. Add more green to your spring by improving the energy efficiency of your home with these tips from Conservation Conversations™.
Check the Blades
Are your fan blades spinning in the right direction? In the spring and summer your fan should rotate counterclockwise, sending a cool breeze down to you. Cool breezes from ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler and more comfortable at home. During the fall and winter, ceiling fans should rotate clockwise, creating an updraft that forces warm air near the ceiling down to you.
After checking your ceiling fans for counterclockwise rotation, make adjustments if your fan is wobbly. To fix a wobbly fan check to make sure the fan blades are aligned by holding a yardstick vertically along the edge of each blade. If you find a slight difference between the blades you may be able to gently bend the misaligned blade to the proper level. If all of the blades are aligned and your fan still wobbles consider purchasing a fan balancing kit. This inexpensive kit can be purchased at most hardware stores or home improvement retailers.
Adjust Your Water Heater
Warmer temperatures during the spring and summer offer a perfect opportunity for you to adjust the temperature of your water heater. Turn down your water heater a few degrees to save energy and money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for each 10°F reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3%-5% in energy costs.
You are less likely to notice a difference in water temperature if you adjust the temperature of your water heater during warm spring and summer months. During warm spring and summer months most people use water to cool down, reducing the need for very hot water. Most households usually only require a water heater setting of 120°F.
Watch the Thermostat
The weather during transition seasons can be very unpredictable. Make sure you keep an eye on your thermostat. Set your thermostat to 78°F or warmer during the spring and summer. Increasing the temperature of your thermostat when possible reduces your cooling costs.
Consider installing a programmable thermostat to help you save energy and money, while maintaining the comfort of your home. A programmable thermostat, when programmed, will increase the temperature of your home while you are away or sleeping, then cool your home down in time for you to return after work or wake up.
Stop Drafts
Take advantage of the warmer temperatures and dry, sunny days by calking or weatherstripping your windows and doors. Those drafts of cool air that found their way into your home during cold winter months will find their way out during hot summer months. Don’t let money flow out of your home as your cool air inside find it’s way through drafty windows and doors. Caulking and weatherstripping your windows and doors can be a cost-effective solution to improving the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Read more about weatherstripping to find the right draft-blocking solution for your home.
Keep an Eye on the Sky
Weather changes, especially rain, can lead to energy waste. Be sure to turn off sprinklers or adjust timers to stop water and energy waste during spring showers. If cooler temperatures roll in, consider switching off the air conditioner and opening the windows to take advantage of spring breezes and more comfortable temperatures.
Save energy and money, while reducing your environmental impact with electricity, gas and water tips from Conservation Conversations!
Para información en español visite: http://www.conversaciondeconservacion.com/
