With the arrival of spring and warm weather, now is a good time to look at ways to save energy around the home. Here are some plumbing, cooling and electrical tips that can reduce waste while making your home more comfortable.

1. Use ceiling fans

While a ceiling fan does not actually cool the air, it can make your air conditioner work better by distributing cool air down into your living space while also providing an evaporative cooling effect.

2. Turn off lights

Timers and motion detection can ensure that lights are only on when a room is occupied.

3. Air dry clothing instead of using a clothes dryer

Clothes dryers use a lot of energy. They also raise humidity and heat levels, making your air conditioner work harder. Use a clothes line or rack to dry clothing. 

4. Use the cold wash cycle

Many laundry detergents are designed to clean with cold water, reducing the cost of using a clothes washer.

5.Switch to LED lights

Replacing old incandescent bulbs with LEDs will not only save electricity, they will reduce the inconvenience of having to replace the bulbs as frequently. LED bulbs also operate with less heat than conventional bulbs, saving on your cooling bill.

6. Upgrade to EnergyStar appliances

When it comes time to replace a furnace, air conditioner, refrigerator or other appliance, check the government’s EnergyStar rating label to see how much energy the appliance will consumer on average over the year. While more efficient units will often cost more initially, they will pay for themselves over time by consuming less energy.

7. Use a Smart Thermostat

The simple thermostat has come a long way since the set-it-and-forget-it units of the past. Today’s thermostats can save energy by learning your home’s routines and adapting the temperature to heat and cool only the spaces that are occupied.