Tips to Save Energy This Spring

MGE has some simple strategies for preventing excess moisture and helping appliances run more efficiently.

Warmer temperatures are on the horizon. MGE has some simple ways to help you save energy as spring returns! 
 

Prevent excess moisture

Spring is a great time to get your dehumidifier ready for the increased humidity the season brings. While it's important to control high humidity in basements to prevent mold growth and improve indoor air quality, dehumidifiers can cost as much as $50 per month to operate. Look for ways to control moisture and reduce run time by doing the following:

• Check gutter and downspout drainage. Gutters should drain 4 to 6 feet away from the house.
• Slope soil away from your home's foundation.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR^® label when buying a new dehumidifier.
• Set your humidifier to a 50% relative humidity setting and checking for leaking hose connections. And don't forget to empty it regularly or connect the hose to a drain.
• Ensure your clothes dryer vent is properly connected to prevent warm, moist air from entering the home.

Give appliances and vents a spring cleaning

Keeping appliances clean and maintained can help them operate more efficiently. Here are a few quick spring-cleaning tips to keep your central air system in good shape.

• Hose off the outdoor central air-condensing unit to remove dirt and leaves. Choose a qualified contractor to service your central air every two years.
• Vacuum dust and dirt from the coils and fan of your dehumidifier, and clean the filter once a month.
• Take a few moments to wipe any dust that may have gathered on your vents, and if your home has both high (a grate higher up on the wall) and low (a grate closer to the floor) air returns – give them a quick switch. When the seasons change and we go from heating to cooling, it's helpful to close the lower return and ensure the higher one is open. This encourages the warmer air to come into the return ductwork and get sent back to get cooled once again.
• Check your furnace filter. If the filter is dirty, replace it.
• Check your dryer venting and clean out any lint that may have collected. Ensure the vent is as short and straight as possible.

Using energy efficiently and conserving it are some of the ways we all can reduce our environmental footprint and save money. Visit mge2050.com often for more ways to save.

published: Feb-28-2023