Now that the weather is warming up, here is a Spring-Cleaning Checklist to Boost Your Home Energy Efficiency! Spring cleaning signals a fresh start, renewed energy, and cleaner spaces. But while you’re organizing closets and scrubbing floors, it’s also a great time to make your home more energy efficient.
Let’s explore practical, high-impact spring cleaning hacks that help you save energy, live more comfortably, and contribute to a healthier planet.
2025 Spring Cleaning Checklist:
Set Your Ceiling Fan Counterclockwise
Before you even start scrubbing, look at your ceiling fan. As part of your spring refresh, dust the fan blades and then switch the fan’s rotation.
In the warmer months, your fan should rotate counterclockwise. Why? Because setting your ceiling fan counterclockwise creates a wind-chill effect by pushing cool air down. This makes the room feel cooler, letting you reduce air conditioner usage and save energy.
Most ceiling fans have a small toggle switch on the motor housing. Just remember to turn off the fan completely before changing the direction.
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
Spring is a great time to clean light fixtures and inspect the bulbs you’re using. Still using incandescent or halogen bulbs? Swap them out with LED light bulbs. Not only are LEDs brighter and longer lasting, but they use up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent options (Energy.gov). LEDs also produce less heat, which can help keep your home cooler—especially helpful as temperatures rise.
Air Seal and Weather Strip Your Windows and Doors
One of the most impactful ways to improve home energy efficiency is by preventing air leaks. Tiny cracks around windows and doors can let your cool indoor air escape while letting warm outdoor air in, causing your HVAC system to work harder.
While you’re cleaning your windows, examine the frames for gaps. Use a caulk gun to seal cracks and apply weather stripping for insulation.
Be sure to add a weather strip for the door. These upgrades are quick, affordable, and can be done in a single afternoon.
Change Your Furnace Filter
Wondering how do you change the filter on a furnace? It’s easier than you think—and one of the most overlooked spring-cleaning tasks. A dirty furnace filter restricts airflow and forces your system to use more energy to do its job.
To change furnace filters, locate the filter panel (usually near the blower), slide the old filter out, and replace it with a new one facing the correct direction (look for the arrow).
Your furnace and air conditioning system need clear airflow to function efficiently. Experts recommend changing filters every one to three months—especially before and after peak heating or cooling seasons.
Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances
While you’re scrubbing the fridge or cleaning behind the washer, take stock of how old your appliances are. Older models are often energy hogs.
Replacing outdated appliances with Energy Star appliances is a smart investment. These products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and can save you hundreds of dollars over time.
From refrigerators to dishwashers, washers, dryers, and even your furnace and air systems, Energy Star certified appliances are designed to do more while consuming less.
Clean and Inspect Air Vents & Ducts
During your spring clean, it’s important to remove dust and debris from your air vents, return registers, and ducts. Blocked vents make it harder for your HVAC system to circulate air, reducing overall efficiency.
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove buildup. For more serious duct cleaning, consider hiring a professional. You can also inspect for air leaks in your ductwork and seal them with foil tape or mastic sealant.
Reset or Upgrade Your Thermostat
As part of your spring-cleaning checklist, take a few minutes to adjust your thermostat settings. Warmer months call for warmer baseline settings, so your air conditioner isn’t working overtime.
Better yet, invest in a smart thermostat that adapts to your habits and optimizes temperature settings automatically.
Wash Laundry in Cold Water & Line Dry When Possible
Washing your clothes in cold water saves a significant amount of energy—up to 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating water.
Take it a step further by skipping the dryer and line-drying your clothes. Spring air is perfect for drying, and you’ll save money while reducing wear on your clothes.
Every step you take toward home energy efficiency helps both your wallet and the environment.
Take Advantage of Local Resources
Check if you’re eligible for a home energy assessment through programs like Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency’s (OLHSA) Weatherization Assistance Program, the Michigan Home Energy Rebates (MiHER) program, DTE Energy’s Energy Efficiency Assistance program, or Consumer Energy’s Helping Neighbors Program. These programs often offer free upgrades, smart thermostats, and weatherization services for qualifying households.
Sources:
- Energy.gov – Lighting Choices Save You Money
- Energy Star Certified Products
- U.S. Department of Energy – Ceiling Fans
- ENERGY STAR – Sealing and Insulating
- U.S. DOE –Weatherstripping&Caulking
- ENERGY STAR – HVAC Maintenance Checklist
- U.S. DOE – Heating and Cooling
- U.S. DOE – Duct Sealing
- ENERGY STAR – Smart Thermostats
- Energy.gov – Laundry
Gratitude to Elevate for sharing this information.
Learn more about our Office of Sustainability‘s efforts to protect drinking water, reduce the county government’s own emissions and energy use, and promote cleaner transportation alternatives.
Visit the Oakland County website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more news and fun year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.