It’s that time of year, when we clean baseboards, wash duvets and tackle other chores that need to be done at least a few times a year, rather than weekly. While you go about this season’s deep cleaning, take a few extra steps to maximize your home’s energy efficiency.
Breathe a little easier with freshly cleaned vents. This frequently overlooked step improves your home’s air quality and takes some of the pressure off your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The most effective method is to remove wall and ceiling vent covers with a screwdriver and then rinse them. Once they dry completely, replace the covers and enjoy your home’s newly purified air.
Another area to address is the dryer vent. Even if you empty the lint tray completely after each laundry day, the vent that transmits hot air from the dryer to the outdoors can remain full of flammable material. Have a qualified professional clean the dryer vent at least annually. Maintaining the vent will keep your dryer operating smoothly and could help prevent a fire caused by an obstruction.
Dusting may seem like an exercise in futility, but it’s worth doing to maximize the efficiency of lighting in your home. A layer of dust can dull a lightbulb’s illumination. Turn off fixtures and use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down bulbs in lamps, sconces and ceiling fixtures. While you’re at it, dust the tops and bottoms of ceiling fan blades. The yuck factor may be off-putting initially, but this is another worthwhile task to get your home sparkling clean.
One last thing to add to your list: Change your HVAC system’s filter. Keeping the filter up to par means cleaner air in your home due to fewer irritants like pollen, pet dander and dust, and a less taxed, more efficient HVAC system—which saves you money on your electric bill.
