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Defeat Dust This Spring and Save Energy All Year
Posted On: March 1, 2020
Break out the elbow grease! Spring cleaning season is just around the corner and how thoroughly you deep clean your home can affect its energy efficiency all year. Set the tone for 2020 with an apron, a pair of rubber gloves and this cleaning to-do list (also maybe a dust mask):
Clean and Redirect Ceiling Fans
While you’re up high cleaning each ceiling fan blade, look for a button that will switch the direction of your fan. In the spring, the blades should rotate counterclockwise to send cool air down to the rest of the room. Also, use a pillowcase for an easy, mess-free way to clean your blades.
Change Your Air Filter
Extra dust and allergens collect in your air filter and force your air conditioner to work harder to circulate air. Replace your filter every few months – but especially in the spring – to help everyone in your home breathe easier.
Clean Window Sills and Seal Air Leaks
Dirt, dust and various other gunk gathers in window sills, so grab a non-toxic cleaner to give them a good cleaning. This will help you find any air leaks and seal them with caulking or weather stripping to prevent you from losing cool air when the temperature rises.
Inspect and Clean Sliding Door Tracks
Much like your windows, buildup on your sliding door can damage its seal. Once it’s clean, you may find a few air leaks hiding under a layer of dirt and grime. Do a thorough clean here and reseal any leaks.
Vacuum Refrigerator Coils
The dust that collects behind your refrigerator and on its coil can cause it to run less efficiently over time. Pull your unit away from the wall and vacuum those coils, and be sure to clean out the inside, too.
Dust Flat Surfaces, Electronics and Lightbulbs
Now that you’ve wiped down the main culprits of dust-related disasters, now it’s time to finish the job by dusting everywhere else. Clear any electronic devices of dust to help them run smoothly, and don’t forget to wipe off light bulbs too! They’ll shine brighter when they are clean.