10 Ways to Save Electricity and Enjoy Your Spring

Springtime is on its way, and with it comes days that are a bit longer and much more comfortable. Fresh breezes and mild temperatures offer a reprieve from the winter chill before the intense heat of summer sets in, so this is a great time to enjoy everything the season has to offer. It's also a great time to save money on your electricity bill and to reduce your carbon footprint with a few practical, easy tips that will boost your home's energy efficiency.

1. Shut It All Off– Instead of trying to decide between running your air conditioner or your heater, shut it off completely and change the temperature of your home by the use of open windows and opening or closing your shades as needed. There’s no point in using your air conditioning or heater when the weather fluctuates so drastically during this time of year, especially if temperatures in your area tend to be relatively mild during the spring. You can always add layers or eliminate them if needed.
2. Install a Programmable – If you’re not completely ready to turn off your heater and air conditioner, consider installing a programmable thermostat. This relatively quick and easy home improvement will boost efficiency, keep your home more comfortable and make a difference in your bill. With a programmable thermostat, the guesswork is taken out of home heating and cooling. Granted, having a thermostat that keeps track of this information is slightly more expensive than the basic ones, it will pay for itself in no time through energy cost savings.
3. Switch Your Light Bulbs– Spring is the perfect time to make the switch from incandescent bulbs to fluorescent ones while you're changing the smoke detector batteries and handling your spring cleaning. This small change in your home can make a big difference in terms of household energy use, saving you money and boosting your home's eco-friendly stock. Over time, you will notice that fluorescents last longer, and they don’t give off nearly as much heat as incandescent bulbs.
4. Use Ceiling Fans– On warmer days when a breeze isn’t flowing steadily through an open window, consider turning on the ceiling fans in the rooms you frequently use. They use less energy than your air conditioner by focusing on one or two rooms at a time instead of trying to cool the entire house.
5. Change Out Your Air Filters – After a long winter of heating your home, there's a good chance that your furnace needs a new filter. In fact, your filter should be changed about every three months. Changing your air filter on a regular basis will save money on your electricity bill by requiring less energy for your furnace to run properly.
6. Realize That Knowledge is Power – Learn about your usage. What are you using the most? What items drain the most energy? Once you learn where and how you are using your electricity, you’ll be more equipped to make an effective change in your habits.
7. Wear Appropriate Clothing – Wear those clothes you’ve been longing to wear since the snow started to fly. Your home will be naturally heated during the day by the sun’s rays shining in through your windows, so why not reach for the light, airy clothes reserved for warmer weather? Keeping a light sweater on hand for added warmth when the sun goes down can extend the amount of time you spend without running your central heating and air unit.
8. Open the Blinds, Curtains and Windows During the Day – Opening up your blinds, curtains and windows during the day will cool your house while giving you a breath of fresh air. Keep in mind, though, you’ll want to be sure to close everything when you go to sleep at night, otherwise the chill of the evening will make it feel like winter in your home. While you have the windows open, be sure your air conditioner is turned off.
9. Schedule a Central Unit Inspection – Spring is the ideal time to call your local HVAC company to come out and check your air conditioning unit and vents to make sure everything is working properly. Inspections are generally inexpensive, and will help you catch problems that could be an energy drain when the heat of summer arrives.
10. Turn Your Water Heater Temperature Down – Turning your water heater's temperature knob down a notch or two will not only help you to save energy by eliminating unnecessary use, but also makes your home a safer place. Scalds are among the most common burns that emergency room medical staff members see, and are especially prevalent among young children. Very hot water coming from your faucets can be dangerous and inefficient, so there's no real reason to leave the setting at such high levels.

Enjoying the beautiful weather and sense of new beginnings that come with each spring isn't always easy when you're worried about money and the impact your home is having on the environment. By adopting energy-saving measures that reduce your footprint while slashing your bills, you'll be able to revel in the wonder of spring without worry.

Resources:
http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips
http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7ktrfHBRc30AjoFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE1a29...