Jared Barron Gives Tips for Saving Energy in the

Spring, for many of us, marks a change to the warmer weather that will lead us into summer. While this is something that a lot of people look forward to, there is one aspect of it that we typically do not- higher energy costs. Spring weather, especially when it errs on the hotter side, can lead to a sizeable increase in energy use to keep temperatures in our spaces right where we want them. Jared Barron recognizes that there may not be a way to fully avoid higher energy use, but there are plenty of ways to reduce our footprint to positively impact both the environment and our wallets. Here, he lists a few of the simplest ways to do so effectively.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Homeowners can save up to 10% on energy per year by installing and setting a programmable thermostat. Jared Barron acknowledges that, for individuals living in many areas throughout the United States, temperatures in the spring can vary wildly between highs and lows. A programmable thermostat is an efficient way to adapt to temperature changes and ensure that your home is always at a comfortable temperature. One of the ways that programmable thermostats streamline temperature control and energy efficiency is by allowing the user to change the temperature while they are not home. This means that if you do not remember to turn off your thermostat when you will be gone for long hours, you can do so on the go.

Don’t Neglect the Windows

During the spring, it is tempting for homeowners to let in some of that direct, natural sunlight to bring brightness into their space. Jared Barron recognizes, however, that letting too much sunlight in can allow heat to get into your home as well. Fortunately, there is a range of options that give people access to sunlight and the opportunity to close it off if it begins to be too much. Energy efficient window treatments such as shades, drapes, and awnings, for example, can block the sun from heating your home when you want to keep it cool. A benefit of these options is that they are often not expensive and can be as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional.

Consider Cooking Outside

On particularly warm spring days, simple actions that consume energy such as cooking can become a bit uncomfortable. If you have a setup that allows for cooking outside, Jared Barron recommends it as a strategy for keeping the inside of your space cooler. This is because cooking inside can raise the temperature in the kitchen and adjacent rooms by several degrees. Not only does taking the party outside give you a bit of fresh air, but it saves energy that would otherwise be used for things such as your kitchen vent and your AC working overtime to lower the temperature.

Operate Your Thermostat More Efficiently

While having a smarter, more modern thermostat goes a long way towards saving energy, Jared Barron speaks to how operating any thermostat as efficiently as possible will do so as well. There are several steps that an individual can take to ensure that they are utilizing their thermostat efficiently. One way to do so is to be sure that you are setting your thermostat to the temperature you find comfortable that provides some humidity control. The smaller the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures, the less energy and money required for cooling. This means that you are better off picking a comfortable temperature than one much lower than you need. Jared Barron notes that you can also save by setting your temperature to a higher temperature when you know no one will be home and by avoiding blasting the AC when you first turn it out. Blasting your AC does not cool your home quicker and can easily create an unnecessary expense.