Happy Groundhog Day. According to American and Canadian custom, if a groundhog emerges from his nest to a cloudy sky today, then the spring season will come early. If, however, he's greeted by sunshine, he will see his shadow and retreat back into the nest, meaning we're in for wintry weather for six more weeks. The prediction this year is that spring is well and truly on its way, so here are our top tips for spring cleaning your way to energy efficiency...
Dust off electronics, light bulbs and vents
Dust build-up prevents your devices and appliances from working to their full capacity. Clear those dust bunnies from vents so air can circulate freely and brush off your electricals, office equipment and light bulbs.
Flick the switch on inefficient bulbs
Replace any blown light bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs. According to Compare the Market, making the switch from traditional light bulbs to energy efficient LED bulbs could save you £149 a year. Now that’s a bright idea.
Seal air leaks
When cleaning windows and doors, check for gaps in the weather stripping and, if necessary, replace. By blocking air leakage, you can make your home more energy efficient and also prevent pollen from entering your home in summer – the allergy sufferers can thank you later!
Clean those coils
Dust off your refrigerator’s condenser coils so air can circulate freely. Build-up of dust and pet hair means the motor works harder and uses more electricity. While you’re at it, check the seals on your fridge door are clean and tight.
Defrost your freezer
Your freezer is on 24 hours a day and works hard to keep your food ice cold. It works even harder when it has ice built up inside. If the ice in your freezer is over 5cm, it’s time to defrost.
Clean out dryer ducts
You know how irritating it is when you’re full of a cold and have a blocked nose? Constantly sniffing and resisting the urge to slump out on your desk, you mentally go on strike because you just can’t work to your full capacity. Well, that’s how your dryer feels. By cleaning your dryer duct at least twice a year, your dryer is happier, uses less energy and is more efficient.
Use your head
After scrubbing your shower, install a low-flow shower head to save water and energy. The head retains your shower’s water pressure and can save a family of four around £65 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Some water companies are even giving them away free, so it’s worth checking with yours.
Upgrade your appliances
Fridge getting on a bit? TV on the blink? If it’s time to upgrade your appliances, invest in energy efficient models and you could save as much as £62 a year just by choosing the most efficient fridge-freezer according to Which? See their full guide to energy efficient appliances.
Freshen up furnace filters
Clean or change filters for furnaces and extractor fans routinely. Dirty filters slow down air flow and means the system has to work harder and use more energy.
Invest in a programmable thermostat
If you’re doing handiwork around the home, you might want to update your heating controls or invest in a programmable thermostat. These technologies allow you to control when your home’s heating and hot water will come on, which areas of your home to heat and how warm you would like each area to be.
By installing a room thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves in your home, you could save between £70 and £150 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
For more ways to achieve energy efficiency in the home, check out the Saving Money section of the First Utility blog For more ways to achieve energy efficiency in the home, check out the Saving Money section of the First Utility blog