Spring energy saving tips

Published April 12, 2021

It is officially spring in Minnesota and therefore a wide mix of weather is in the forecast. One day you’ll have the heat on; the next day, the windows are open. On really warm days, you might even consider turning on the air conditioner. Here are some tips to manage your energy use, bills, and comfort during the springtime.

• Adjust your thermostat based on the weather. If it’s warm outside, have the air conditioner turn on when it is 78 degrees. For cold weather, set it at 68 degrees when home and up to 10 degrees cooler when away or at night. Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically control when the air conditioner or furnace turns on.
• Manage the sun. Keep window treatments open on cool days to let in the warm sun, and close them on hot days to keep your home cool.
• Open windows to naturally cool your home.
• Get your air conditioning unit professionally serviced. Make sure your AC unit is ready to cool you down during hot weather and is free of outside debris.
• Use fans, instead of or with air conditioners, as the weather warms. Direct ceiling fans to run counter-clockwise so warm air is not pushed down.
• Continue to replace furnace filters. If you have a central air conditioning system, air continues to travel through your furnace. Filters can help with allergens, and clean filters keep your mechanical systems working efficiently.
• Sign up for air conditioning cycling programs offered by your local utility if you have central air conditioning. You receive a discount for allowing your utility to cycle your air conditioner on and off during peak energy times.
• Remember to use the bathroom fan to remove excess heat and humidity from escaping into the rest of your home.
• Clean refrigerator coils while you are spring cleaning, and do it twice a year or more frequently if you have pets.

Enjoy the change of seasons. We’ll be back with summer tips in a few months!