Spring has officially sprung across the Northern Hemisphere! With Earth Day just around the corner and warmer temperatures on the way, now is the perfect time for a little energy habit spring cleaning to prepare yourself and your home for the higher electricity demand that typically comes with warmer weather.

We put together an official spring-cleaning checklist to help you conserve energy, lower your bills, and make your home more sustainable.

Clean up bad energy usage habits

One of the easiest ways to reduce the environmental and financial impact of your electricity usage is to simply use less energy!

  • Turn off the light. Take advantage of longer daylight hours by opening up your and letting natural light brighten your home during the day.
  • Switch to LEDs. Make the switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), replacing your home’s most frequently used lighting with ENERGY STAR-rated LED bulbs can save an average of $225 per year on energy costs!
  • Rethink your thermostat. Spring weather can be unpredictable, but before you crank up the heat or blast the AC, consider investing in a smart thermostat. Heating and cooling account for more than half (51%) of your home’s energy consumption. Smart thermostats optimize temperatures when you’re home and switch to energy-saving modes when you’re out, helping to lower your energy bills.
  • Tackle vampire power. Vampire power accounts for 5-10% of household electricity consumption and approximately 1% of global carbon emissions. Reduce your energy use and costs by unplugging devices when you aren’t using them. Power strips can help make this easier by stopping the energy drain with the flip of a switch.

Save energy with landscaping

Did you know that landscaping can help reduce your energy bills? That’s right, the way you arrange your outdoor plants can have an impact on your home’s energy efficiency. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, strategically placed trees can help reduce AC needs by 30% and lower heating costs by between 20-50% – that’s nothing to sneeze at! What’s more, April 28 is Arbor Day, an even better reason to plant some outdoor plants or trees for the planet and for your home.

Make your home energy-efficient year-round

Spring is the perfect time to reset your energy habits and make your home more energy efficient. With these simple changes, you can save money and reduce energy waste all year long. Which energy-saving tips will you try first?