Spring is a fresh start for your home energy. Small tweaks now can make warmer days easier and more comfortable. Use this checklist to get ready.

Set your thermostat for warmer days

As temperatures rise, set up a summer schedule. In summer, keep the house warmer than normal when you are away. When you are home, set the thermostat as high as is comfortable. Setting a colder temperature does not cool the home faster, so avoid large drops.

Try these steps:

  • Program weekday and weekend schedules now.
  • Use a gradual morning ramp-up.
  • Use a higher setpoint for midday if the home is empty.

Seal up drafts as you air out the house

Spring is a good time to check for leaks around trim, windows, and doors. Sealing cracks and openings reduces drafts and cold spots. Use caulk on fixed cracks. Use weatherstripping around doors and windows that move.

A quick check:

  • On a breezy day, feel for air around window and door edges.
  • Look for gaps where pipes, cables, or vents pass through walls.
  • Refresh worn or loose weatherstripping.

Use ceiling fans the smart way

A ceiling fan can help you feel cooler in summer and distribute heat in winter. Fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave. Use the small switch on the fan housing to set the direction for the season per your fan’s manual.

Helpful tips:

  • In warm weather, run fans in rooms you occupy to boost comfort.
  • Keep fan speed low to medium for quiet, steady airflow.
  • Dust the blades now to prevent wobble and noise.

Swap in LEDs where it counts

LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than old incandescents and can last up to 25 times longer. Start with the lights you use the most. Hallways, kitchens, living rooms, and porch lights are great targets.

How to choose:

  • Pick a brightness (lumens) similar to your current bulb.
  • Choose a color you like: warm white for cozy rooms, daylight for task areas.
  • If you dim lights, look for “dimmable” on the box.

Check your water heater setting

For most homes, 120°F is a good water heater setting. It helps with comfort and safety. Many tanks have a dial; some have a digital control. Mark the current setting before you adjust it, then test hot water at a tap.

Simple upkeep:

  • Clear clutter from around the tank so it can vent and you can reach controls.
  • If you have a vacation mode, use it when you will be away.

Know your rate plan and timing

Many utilities offer time-of-use rates. Prices change at set times of day, often with an afternoon peak and lower overnight prices. Check your bill or your utility’s website for your current plan. Then compare its rules to your daily habits.

Start here:

  • Read Your Electric Bill, Explained to see how charges show up and what to look for: /blog/your-bill-explained.
  • If you have time-of-use rates, try running laundry and dishwashers in off-peak hours.
  • Pre-cool or pre-ventilate early in the day before a hot afternoon, if that fits your plan.

Watch seasonal solar patterns

Solar output is highest in summer months and lowest in winter months. The pattern follows the number of daylight hours each season. If you subscribe to community solar, your bill credits follow the same pattern.

What that means for you:

  • Expect credits to be higher in late spring and summer, and lower in winter.
  • Compare your credits month to month so you see the pattern on your bill.
  • To better understand where credits appear, review Your Electric Bill, Explained: /blog/your-bill-explained.
  • If you want to support local solar through a subscription, you can check your eligibility here: /check-eligibility.

Quick room-by-room sweep

Use this short pass-through to wrap up your spring check.

  • Living areas: Replace the most-used bulbs with LEDs. Set fan direction for the season and dust blades.
  • Bedrooms: Update your thermostat schedule for sleep and wake times. Close gaps around windows with fresh weatherstripping.
  • Kitchen: Run the dishwasher in off-peak hours if your plan allows. Swap under-cabinet and ceiling bulbs to LEDs.
  • Laundry: Wash with full loads in off-peak times on your current rate plan. Clean the dryer lint filter.
  • Hallways and entries: Caulk fixed cracks and seal door sweeps that leak air.

A little spring care can keep your home comfortable as heat builds. Pick one or two items today, then chip away at the rest this month. Your summer self will be glad you did.