Spring Cleaning Checklist to Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Here is our Spring-Cleaning Checklist to Boost Home Energy Efficiency! Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition that signals a fresh start, renewed energy, and cleaner spaces. But while you’re organizing closets and scrubbing floors, it’s also a great time to make your home more energy efficient.
Improving home energy efficiency doesn’t always require big, expensive upgrades. In fact, you can incorporate small changes into your spring-cleaning checklist that not only freshen your space but also reduce your energy bills.
Let’s explore practical, high-impact spring cleaning hacks that help you save energy, live more comfortably, and contribute to a healthier planet.
Set Your Ceiling Fan Counterclockwise
Before you even start scrubbing, look at your ceiling fan. As part of your spring refresh, dust the fan blades and then switch the fan’s rotation.
In the warmer months, your fan should rotate counterclockwise. Why? Because setting your ceiling fan counterclockwise creates a wind-chill effect by pushing cool air down. This makes the room feel cooler, letting you reduce air conditioner usage and save energy.
Most ceiling fans have a small toggle switch on the motor housing. Just remember to turn off the fan completely before changing the direction.
✅ Spring Cleaning Checklist:
- Start spring cleaning from the ceiling and work downward.
- Ceiling fan counterclockwise = cool breeze without blasting A/C.
- Reduces energy usage and keeps your home comfortable.
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
Spring is a great time to clean light fixtures and inspect the bulbs you’re using. Still using incandescent or halogen bulbs? Swap them out with LED light bulbs. Not only are LEDs brighter and longer lasting, but they use up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent options (Energy.gov).
LEDs also produce less heat, which can help keep your home cooler—especially helpful as temperatures rise.
✅ Spring Cleaning Checklist:
- LED light bulbs are energy-efficient and long-lasting.
- Save on your electricity bill and reduce the need for replacements.
- They come in various color temperatures to suit your mood and space.
Air Seal and Weather Strip Your Windows and Doors
One of the most impactful ways to improve home energy efficiency is by preventing air leaks. Tiny cracks around windows and doors can let your cool indoor air escape while letting warm outdoor air in, causing your HVAC system to work harder.
While you’re cleaning your windows, examine the frames for gaps. Use a caulk gun to seal cracks and apply weather stripping for insulation.
Be sure to add a weather strip for the door, and don’t forget to check for drafts and apply a weather strip on windows too. These upgrades are quick, affordable, and can be done in a single afternoon.
✅ Spring Cleaning Checklist:
- Block air leaks with caulking and weather stripping.
- Prevents energy loss and keeps temperatures steady indoors.
- Helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.
Change Your Furnace Filter
Wondering how do you change the filter on a furnace? It’s easier than you think—and one of the most overlooked spring-cleaning tasks. A dirty furnace filter restricts airflow and forces your system to use more energy to do its job.
To change furnace filters, locate the filter panel (usually near the blower), slide the old filter out, and replace it with a new one facing the correct direction (look for the arrow).
Your furnace and air conditioning system need clear airflow to function efficiently. Experts recommend changing filters every 1 to 3 months—especially before and after peak heating or cooling seasons.
✅ Spring Cleaning Checklist:
- Clean filters mean better airflow and reduced energy use.
- Check and change furnace filters during your spring cleaning.
- It prolongs the life of your HVAC system.
Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances
While you’re scrubbing the fridge or cleaning behind the washer, take stock of how old your appliances are. Older models are often energy hogs.
Replacing outdated appliances with Energy Star appliances is a smart investment. These products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and can save you hundreds of dollars over time.
From refrigerators to dishwashers, washers, dryers, and even your furnace and air systems, Energy Star certified appliances are designed to do more while consuming less.
✅ Spring Cleaning Checklist:
- Look for the Energy Star label when replacing old appliances.
- Lower energy bills and fewer maintenance issues over time.
- Some utilities offer rebates for Energy Star purchases.
Clean and Inspect Air Vents & Ducts
During your spring clean, it’s important to remove dust and debris from your air vents, return registers, and ducts. Blocked vents make it harder for your HVAC system to circulate air, reducing overall efficiency.
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove buildup. For more serious duct cleaning, consider hiring a professional. You can also inspect for air leaks in your ductwork and seal them with foil tape or mastic sealant.
✅ Spring Cleaning Checklist:
- Clean vents allow better airflow and improve air quality.
- Sealing duct leaks prevent energy waste.
- Helps your HVAC system operate more efficiently.
Reset or Upgrade Your Thermostat
As part of your spring-cleaning checklist, take a few minutes to adjust your thermostat settings. Warmer months call for warmer baseline settings, so your air conditioner isn’t working overtime.
Better yet, invest in a smart thermostat that adapts to your habits and optimizes temperature settings automatically.
If you’re in Illinois, the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) may provide access to a discounted smart thermostat as part of a broader home energy upgrade. Reach out to find out if you qualify.
✅ Spring Cleaning Checklist:
- Reprogram thermostat for spring temps.
- Smart thermostats reduce energy waste while maintaining comfort.
- IHWAP can help you get one at a lower cost.
Wash Laundry in Cold Water & Line Dry When Possible
Washing your clothes in cold water saves a significant amount of energy—up to 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating water.
Take it a step further by skipping the dryer and line-drying your clothes. Spring air is perfect for drying, and you’ll save money while reducing wear on your clothes.
✅ Spring Cleaning Checklist:
- Use cold water settings for laundry to save energy.
- Line dry when the weather allows to reduce dryer usage.
- Less energy used = lower electricity bills.
Spring into an Energy-Efficient Lifestyle
Your spring-cleaning routine doesn’t just have to be about tidiness—it can be a gateway to creating a greener, more cost-effective home. We hope this spring-cleaning checklist will help with boosting your home energy efficiency!
From LED light bulbs and weather stripping to smart thermostats and Energy Star appliances, these hacks make a huge difference in your home’s comfort and efficiency.
And remember—every step you take toward home energy efficiency helps both your wallet and the environment.
✅ Pro Tip: Take Advantage of Local Resources
Check if you’re eligible for a home energy assessment through programs like IHWAP. These programs often offer free upgrades, smart thermostats, and weatherization services for qualifying households.
Sources:
- Energy.gov – Lighting Choices Save You Money
- U.S. Department of Energy – Ceiling Fans
- ENERGY STAR – Sealing and Insulating
- U.S. DOE – Weatherstripping & Caulking
- ENERGY STAR – HVAC Maintenance Checklist
- U.S. DOE – Heating and Cooling Maintenance
- U.S. DOE – Duct Sealing
- Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity – IHWAP
- ENERGY STAR – Smart Thermostats
- Energy.gov – Laundry
