Spring is an interesting season when it comes to home energy use. Some days are so chilly you’ll want to turn on the heat, and other days are so warm you may be tempted to turn on the air conditioner. The nice thing about spring, however, is that the comparatively moderate temperatures make it a good time to focus on reducing energy use. Here are three primary ways to save on energy costs this spring in your Michigan home.
Do you feel a draft of cool air when you walk past a closed window? If you were to reduce your windows’ draftiness, you might be able to get by without turning on the heat on some cooler spring days. As a result, your energy bills would decrease. A quick way to address drafty windows is with rope caulk. This material comes in big rolls. You unroll a strand and press it into the groove between the window and the window frame. This seals the gap and stops air leaks.
The
downfall of rope caulk is that, with it in place, you cannot open and
close the window. A better way to address leaky windows, in the long
term, is to have them replaced. New replacement windows
will fit more tightly into the frame, helping to keep your Michigan
home warmer during the spring. Plus, you can choose energy-efficient
glass that does a better job of keeping heat in your home, further
reducing your energy consumption not only in the spring, but all
throughout the year.
Another way to avoid having to turn on the heat or air conditioning is to use your curtains to increase energy efficiency. On a cool day, open the curtains when the sun is shining; letting the sun shine in will warm up your space. When the sun goes down, close the curtains to trap the heat that has come into your Michigan home throughout the day.
On an unseasonably warm spring day, close your curtains to keep the sun from coming in. The window treatments will trap heat against the window rather than allowing it to permeate the room. This way, you’ll be able to keep your home cool without relying on your air conditioning.
Turning on your ceiling fan does use energy — but much less energy than turning on the air conditioner. So on those warm spring days, get into the habit of always turning on the ceiling fan to save on energy. The circulating air will keep you feeling cooler, even if the room is quite warm.
Also pay close attention to your use of heat-generating appliances. On a cool day, baking in the oven may warm up your home a few degrees without you having to turn on the heat. On a really warm spring day, avoid turning on the oven and enjoy a cool salad instead.
With better-sealed windows, good use of curtains, and use of a ceiling fan, you can save on energy costs this spring. If you’re ready to drastically reduce your energy consumption throughout the year, contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free consultation in your Michigan home. We offer an array of energy-efficient options, from SmartSun™ glass to Fibrex® window frames.
