Spring cleaning tips

How spring cleaning can reduce your home’s energy use




Spring is in the air! It’s time to throw open the curtains and let in the light. While spring cleaning may not be top-of-mind, it is worth considering if you’re looking for ways to reduce your electricity use. A little freshening up not only prepares your home for warmer weather — it also helps maximize your energy efficiency. Here are six energy-saving tips to include on your spring cleaning list.



1. Track your energy use


Knowledge is power, and knowing how much electricity you use in day-to-day life is the first step to uncovering savings. You don’t need to invest in an energy consumption monitor to track your energy use. Hydro One’s myAccount portal allows you to see how much energy your household consumes. Once you’re set up in myAccount — you can register here — simply log in and click on "My Energy Usage."


UPDATE ON COVID-19

The majority of our customers pay Time-of-Use electricity rates, which fluctuate as the demand for electricity fluctuates. Due to efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, the government introduced temporary rate relief on March 24, allowing Hydro One to apply a flat rate for all TOU customers for a limited period. Learn more about Rate Relief.

2. Check your windows and doors


Spring cleaning often includes washing the winter grime off windows and doors. But don’t just stop at the glass — clean the frames, tracks and trim pieces, too. When dirt accumulates in cracks and crevices, it prevents windows and doors from sealing properly, creating drafts that work against your home’s heating and cooling system. Plus, you may notice obvious spots for a little added window insulation. Here are five easy ways to seal drafty windows.

3. Don’t forget to dust


When you let the light in, you may notice dust that’s collected over the winter. Give your home a good dusting, starting with hidden corners, shelving, ceilings and wall trim. Then tackle the less visible dust — on electronics, behind appliances, in the bathroom fan, the dryer lint trap, and any exhaust vents. Dust can diminish your home’s energy efficiency in unexpected ways. Here are more reasons to do away with dust.

4. Reverse your ceiling fan


While you’re dusting the ceiling fans, be sure to reverse the direction of the blades. In warmer months, set the blades to rotate counterclockwise: this creates a downward cooling breeze and helps you keep cool. Come fall, reverse the direction to rotate clockwise, which pushes warm air down and helps you stay cozy. If you have ceiling fans, make sure you’re using them to full advantage.

5. Maintain your HVAC system


A clogged furnace filter diminishes your air quality and forces your furnace to work harder — check it monthly, and replace the filter every one to three months. Then ask yourself, when was the last time you cleaned the evaporator coil on the air conditioner? This should be checked, serviced and cleaned annually — ideally before summer. A well-maintained HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system can reduce your energy use from 5% to 15%.

6. Landscape for shade


Spring has a tendency to bring out the green thumb in all of us. Before you pick up those garden tools, think about the placement of trees and shrubs, and how they help shield your home from the elements. A well-placed deciduous tree can protect your home from the sun’s heat in summer and cold wind gusts in winter. Similarly, evergreen shrubs around the foundation offer added insulation, especially on the windward side. Learn how to plant a tree to save energy.


REMEMBER:

If you’re planting saplings of tall trees, position them at least 10 metres away from powerlines. That way, when the trees mature, they won’t interfere with overhead powerlines — which will prevent power outages in and around your home. Finally, be sure to call before you dig to ensure you don’t interfere with any underground locates.

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