'Tis the season for the chore called Spring Cleaning. For me, I have to motivate myself to get ready to clean (not my favorite household chore). But this year I am thinking about it positively, thinking of all the energy I will save.
There are some chores you may want to add to your cleaning list that will help you save energy and money leading into the cooling season.
- Dust the lamps and lightbulbs. The dust and grime on the bulb makes it dirty, reducing the amount of light it gives off.
- Clean your air filter. Replacing air conditioning filters allows for the system to run efficiently.
- Clean the air return vents. Make sure drapes and furniture aren’t blocking the vents.
- Vacuum the refrigerator coils. The dust builds up, causing the fridge to run less efficiently.
- Thoroughly dust electronics and then unplug them when not in use.
- Scrub the tub and then install low flow showerheads.
For tips on how to save year round, you can visit our website at http://www.dom.com/.
4 comments:
I have never bought the dusting the lightbulbs thing. Could you explain how that saves energy?
Also wondering if you have any how-to tips on the other items for novices?
Thanks for your question. There are a lot of 'do-it yourself' projects related to energy conservation.
To install the low flow shower head, the only real tool you will need is an adjustable wrench. Unscrew the old shower head (the water in the shower should not be running), observe how the old shower head was installed, make sure all your pieces are in order, and install the low flow shower head the same way the old shower head was installed (the shower head threads could be on the inside or outside). Folks at your local hardware store would be happy to help with any of these types of projects.
My air return vents pop out pretty easy. I just pop them out, either vacuum or dust off the grime and pop back in.
To get the refrigerator coils, I use the vacuum attachments to easily reach under and back. A cool dust wand also can do the trick. (simplygoodstuff.com/microfiber_duster.html)
As far as the dusting of lightbulbs: dust the bulbs to make sure they are running at their highest efficiency. Do make sure the bulb is cool before touching them. By keeping the bulb clear of dust and grime, the light output will be at a consistent level, reducing the desire to switch to a higher wattage bulb for more light output.
Try this if you would like some help removing the shower head.
Cheers,
Claire
Cleaning the refrigerator coils is a great tip! I know mine have never been cleaned and I would have never thought to do it. Thanks!
I am currently working to reduce my home energy loss by utilizing the 'whole house' method of conserving energy. The experience and results have been fantastic. I have reduced my energy loss by 23% when I compare full-year 2007 verse 2008. I had a 35% decrease when I compare first quarter 2008 verse first quarter 2009 (whole house method still working!)
Since I can't fully turn-off my refrigerator like my computer or TV, cleaning the coils is the next best thing to making it run efficiently and save energy. Thanks again.
John M
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