Energy Wise Tips are dedicated to bringing you an energy tip to save you energy and money!
Spring Cleaning
As the last snow melts, days become longer and temperatures rise, many start checking off items from their annual deep-cleaning list. Scrub buckets, mops, brooms, sponges, and cleaning supplies are pulled from shelves to tackle jobs that may only be considered once a year. This year, consider a few others to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money. It’s all about keeping cool!
Refrigerators
Don’t stop there! As their name implies, your unit transfers heat through a refrigeration cycle using coils. When the exterior coils become covered with whatever is in the air, heat transfer takes longer. Thus, the refrigerator runs longer and adds to your power bill.
Where can you find these coils? Look underneath or at the back of your unit. If it’s been awhile, use a dryer lint brush and vacuum cleaner to tackle what you find. The Humane Society doesn’t offer a reward for freeing “dust bunnies,” but your electric bill will.
Air Conditioning Systems
Was the last time you changed the air filter in your HVAC system before Christmas? If it’s been more than 90 days, check to see if a replacement is needed. Don’t waste your time and money with cheap fiberglass filters. Instead, spend a little extra on a pleated paper filter that stops smaller particles from passing through.
Does your HVAC system have an outdoor condensing unit setting next to the house? Whether it’s a heat pump or an air conditioner, these units are exposed to the environment all year. Leaves, dirt, and other debris lodge between the coils and diminish your HVAC system’s efficiency. If your local electric utility is a partner in supporting EnergyWiseSM energy efficiency programs, you may be eligible for a $30 incentive to have a certified HVAC technician provide a full system cooling tune-up.
After a year of storing your leftovers and condiments at 40°F or below, it’s time to remove unneeded and expired food from refrigerators and freezers. If you haven’t noticed, the baking soda you put in there two years ago to help manage odors has long since expired. Going through all of your “fridge’s” nooks to pitch and re-position items will help chilled air circulate efficiently. Finish the interior by checking and cleaning the seals to assure a tight fit.
Ceiling Fans
When you switch from heating to cooling, don’t forget to change your ceiling fan’s rotation. Counterclockwise will push air directly down and help balance temperature through the room. Most fans have a reversing switch close to where the blades connect. If you need a stepstool to reach it, bring a cleaning rag to eliminate other dust perched on the top sides of fan blades.
Perennial in partnership with Nebraska Public Power District can help identify other ways you can save money while providing reliable, low cost and sustainable energy. For more ideas or information about EnergyWiseSM lighting incentives, contact Perennial at 402-362-3355 or visit the Home Energy Suite section of our website or the EnergyWiseSM section of our website
