Planning Ahead: How to Prepare for Spring Energy Savings

With spring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to get ahead of the curve and make a few preparations that will keep your home comfortable and your power bill in check. While some preparations require you to make changes around the house, most require simple mental shifts. A little planning can go a long way in helping you avoid spikes in your electricity bill as the weather warms up. Here are a few practical tips to help you lock in spring energy savings:

Using Blinds and Curtains to Keep the Sunlight Out

Sunlight beaming through your windows can heat rooms up quickly, which forces your HVAC system to work harder to cool your home. Keeping blinds or curtains closed during the hottest times of the day can help keep your home cooler without the AC having to clock in for overtime. You can still enjoy the natural light in the early morning or late evening when the sun isn’t at its peak. Just this small adjustment can make a noticeable difference in your energy usage during the warmer months.

Being Mindful of How You Set Your Thermostat

Your HVAC system accounts for the majority of your home’s overall energy consumption, making how you set your thermostat very important. As the weather warms up, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature that keeps your home cool and indoor humidity in check. As a general rule, the closer the temperature it is inside to the temperature it is outside, the lower your overall cooling costs will be. When you leave the house, set your thermostat slightly warmer than you would when you’re at home. This will prevent your HVAC system from wasting energy to cool your home while no one’s there. A programmable or smart thermostat will do this automatically, taking all the thinking out of it.

Blocking Hot Air From Leaking Inside

The more hot air that sneaks into your home, the more your HVAC system has to work to maintain a cool, comfortable temperature. That’s why proper insulation is crucial. Installing weatherstripping, door sweeps and sealant around doors and windows can help close any gaps that allow warm air to creep in. Even minor drafts can make a big difference over time, so taking a few minutes to check for small cracks and gaps is well worth it. 

Using Fans and Vents to Their Fullest Potential

Fans are great for circulating air and helping you keep cool during the warmer months. Using them correctly can take some of the pressure off your HVAC system, as you’ll learn that you can set your thermostat a bit higher while still staying comfortable. Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise during the hotter months to create a downward draft of cool air. Make sure to turn off fans in rooms that no one is using, as fans cool people and not rooms.

After you take a shower or a bath, turn on the bathroom vent for 15-30 minutes to remove excess heat and humidity from the room. The same is true for the laundry room. If you have a vent in your laundry room, run it while the cycles are going and for 15-30 minutes afterward. In the kitchen, turn the range vent on about five minutes before you start cooking and leave it on for 15-30 minutes afterward. Using vents helps reduce moisture in the air and control heat that flows throughout the home.

Practicing HVAC System Upkeep

A neglected HVAC system is an inefficient one that has to work harder and use more electricity to regulate the temperature inside your home. To function properly and remain as energy-efficient as possible, your HVAC system needs regular attention. Plan to replace air filters, vacuum out vents and schedule necessary maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Taking care of your HVAC system also helps you prevent surprise breakdowns, which are never enjoyable during Texas’s hotter months.

Planning for spring energy savings is as much about adjusting your habits and prepping your home as it is about having an electricity plan that puts you in control. Prepaid power offers the flexibility and transparency you need to track your usage and make adjustments where possible in order to save money. With Pronto Power, we put the power in your hands. Learn more about how prepaid power with Pronto Power works here or contact us online to get started.