Dry clothes faster.
Clear lint that's built up in your clothes-dryer exhaust hose - it won't just help your dryer use less energy, it will also reduce the fire hazard. Have a flexible hose? Replace it with smooth metal ducting to improve air flow, dry clothes faster, and reduce drying energy use.
Don't make your fridge work so hard.
Clean dust from under your refrigerator, the front vent at the base, and any exposed coils at the back to keep it running at its maximum efficiency. While you're cleaning out the inside, make sure products aren’t blocking the fan vents inside the fridge and freezer.
Clear the air.
Now is the time to change your HVAC system air filter after a long winter of heavy use. Also dust bathroom vent fan covers, as well as any ceiling fan blades in your home (change the direction to counter clockwise while you are dusting), to breathe easier this spring.
Use an advanced power strip.
While you’re dusting your TV, computer, gaming equipment, and other home electronics, take a look at how they’re plugged in. You can stop overpaying to power these big energy users (many draw electricity even when off) by plugging them into an advanced power strip, which automatically cuts electricity to any idle equipment you choose.
Use your bath fan.
Do you have mildew on bathroom ceilings? This is a sign of insufficient ventilation. If you have a bath fan, use it. If you need a fan, look for an ENERGY STAR®-qualified model. These fans are very quiet and use little electricity. Be sure to vent bath fans to the outdoors, or you’ll risk moving your mildew problem to another part of the house or attic.
Keep bulbs and fixtures clean.
Dirt will absorb the light and reduce the efficiency. While you're at it, replace any burnt-out or incandescent light bulbs with LEDs to use up to 90% less energy.
Step outside.
Take a look at any accessible exterior vents, such as for the clothes dryer, central-heating system, water heater, kitchen fan exhaust, or bath fan exhaust. Clear them of any blockage or buildup of dust, webs, leaves, and lint.