Spring Into Energy Savings
Spring is a season of renewal — and a great time to refresh your energy habits, too. As temperatures begin to warm and daily routines shift, a few small changes around your home can add up to meaningful energy savings.
URE is committed to helping our members use energy wisely while keeping homes comfortable year-round.
Spring is the perfect time to schedule maintenance for your heating and cooling system. Spring and fall checkups conducted by a licensed professional can help ensure your system is running efficiently, safely, and reliably before the peak seasons begin. A well-maintained unit uses less energy, lasts longer, and helps prevent costly breakdowns when you need it most.
Another easy seasonal task is replacing or cleaning your HVAC air filters. A clogged or dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder than necessary. Checking filters monthly and replacing them as recommended by the manufacturer can improve efficiency, extend the life of your equipment, and support better indoor air quality.
If you’re looking for a simple place to start saving, look no further than ceiling fans. Fans don’t actually cool or heat the air, but they help you feel more comfortable by moving it. During warmer months, make sure your ceiling fan blades are set to rotate counterclockwise. This creates a downward breeze that makes you feel cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. In cooler months, reverse the direction of fan blades to clockwise to help push warm air down from the ceiling, improving efficiency when your heating system is running.
Speaking of thermostats, adjusting the temperature just a few degrees can make a noticeable difference on your energy bill. As spring arrives, try setting your thermostat slightly higher when cooling or slightly lower when heating. Even a two- or three-degree adjustment can reduce energy use while still keeping your home comfortable — especially when combined with ceiling fans or open windows on mild, pleasant days.
For even greater control, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, whether you’re home, away, or asleep. Many smart thermostats can be controlled from your smartphone, helping you avoid cooling or heating an empty house and making it easier to manage energy use without sacrificing comfort.
Hot water use is another area where simple habits matter. Taking shorter showers can help reduce the amount of energy used to heat water, which makes up a significant portion of most energy bills. Cutting just a few minutes off each shower not only saves energy but also conserves water.
As you tackle your spring cleaning checklist, consider adding a few energy-saving tasks to the list. Small improvements made today can help reduce energy use, improve comfort, and lower costs throughout the warmer months ahead.
URE is here to help every season, every step of the way. We offer energy-saving programs and resources designed to help you lower energy use for your home or business and manage costs. If you have questions or want to learn more about energy efficiency offerings and programs, visit the Rebates page.