Once a year, countless homeowners go through the age-old ritual of spring cleaning. While dusting off the cobwebs is part of the process for most, upgrading actual household hardware goes ignored far too often. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to make any home more efficient. These quick system and appliance upgrades are a great way to modernize your own house.
Air Filters
Keeping your living space clean doesn’t happen by accident. There are a variety of filters and filter systems on the market that can be the ticket to better indoor air quality and better health. Be sure to swap out and upgrade as often as possible. Swapping out the filters on your HVAC system and ducts is a no-brainer. While you’re at it, be sure to change out furnace filters and clean off window screens thoroughly.
A New Vacuum
The ultimate weapon in your battle against indoor filth is the all-purpose vacuum. Whether you’re sucking gunk out of carpets or cleaning up hardwood floors, a high-quality vacuum is your best friend. You don’t necessarily need to go whole hog and spend as much as you would for a small sedan to make an impact. Just pick any bag-less model with a good reputation.
Efficient Lighting
Your choice of energy-efficient lighting can have a major impact on your utility bill for years to come. CFLs were once the preferred lighting choice. However, the energy efficiency torch has been passed to LEDs insofar as environmental friendliness and frugality is concerned. Outfit your living space with LEDs and the appropriate fixtures to save the most money.
Solar Panels
At this stage of the game, solar panels have become so efficient and inexpensive that there’s no point in avoiding them. Even if you’re not trying to completely erase your electricity bill, a few solar panels on the roof can make a serious dent in your energy budget. Best of all, setting up solar panels is a cinch.
Smart Devices
When you’re cleaning out the nest, you might want to consider adding some smart devices that can help you to monitor and reduce energy usage. Thermostats like Nest can show you exactly where your kilowatts are going and help you to cut down on consumption. If you feel like crafting your own energy management gadgets, take a look at Arduino.
Spring Cleaning That Really Counts
While blasting away the cruft is great, nothing beats actual appliance upgrades during spring cleaning. It’s more of an investment in the future than mere cleaning could ever be. When you’re cleaning up the homestead in the spring, consider quality fixes over superficial makeovers. Your home or apartment will thank you in the long run.
Home efficiency is what we strive for, as it helps save time, money, and the earth. High-tech upgrades are one way to keep your home running efficiently. A home protection plan from American Home Shield is another. Learn how AHS can help you save money and time and keep your home running.
Post Author: andyc.
