Spring will be here soon, and with it comes new projects to work on around the house and in the garden, but before you get too busy, now is the time to plan and prep for the upcoming season. Here are some tips that will help save energy and get your home spring-ready.

1. Check Your Fans:

Whether utilizing a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan, or a ceiling fan, circulating air in your home is always a good idea. Ensuring your home is properly ventilated can help keep your cooling costs down during long summer days, and help keep you comfortable all year long.

2. Upgrade Electrical Fixtures and Bulbs:

Replace faulty or outdated electrical fixtures. Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. According to the Department of Energy’s website, replacing your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR, can save you up to $45 each year. When purchasing your lights, look for the most popular bulbs available; such as halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

LEDs, pictured in solid white, are a better alternative to traditional clear bulbs.

LEDs, pictured in solid white, are a better alternative this Spring to traditional clear bulbs.

3. Indoor Lighting:

Indoor lighting is important to consider when keeping energy costs down. During daylight savings time (Sunday, March 10), installing dimmers indoors will ensure you have light only when you need it, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption.

4. Utilize Appliance Timers:

If your family has a habit of falling asleep with the television on, the T.V.’s internal timer can automatically turn the television off at 2:30am. The same principle can be applied to computers, radios or coffee makers.

5. Outdoor Lighting:

Springtime means barbecues and evenings lounging outside, so your outdoor lighting is also important to consider. Installing pool, patio and deck lights will ensure your outdoor lighting is enough for security purposes and entertaining your guests.

6. Outdoor Outlets:

Don’t forget to ensure you have working and accessible outlets throughout the exterior of your home. Installing outletscan easily light your yard and power your tools. Outdoor outlets have watertight covers that allow them to stay protected—even with a cord plugged in—making them ideal for pool and open deck areas.

For help getting your home ready for spring, call Mister Sparky® of San Antonio at (210) 899-2430!