SDG&E: 10 CREATIVE WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY THIS SPRING

Spring is that sweet spot of the year when the weather is mild, the days get longer and the house finally feels open again. It's also the perfect time to cut back on energy use in ways that feel natural, not like a chore. Here are ten creative and effective ways to reduce energy use while enjoying the season.

1. Use "thermal zoning" with spring breezes

Instead of opening every window, open strategic pairs: one low window on the cool side of the house and one high window on the warm side. This creates a natural chimney effect that can pull air through the home, reducing the need for fans or AC.

2. Let your dishwasher bathe in spring sunshine

If you have a dishwasher with a manual dry setting, skip the heat dry and crack it open near a sunlit window. Spring sun + mild breezes = a natural fast drying cycle.

3. Rotate rugs and furniture for better airflow

Heavy rugs and bulky furniture can block vents and air circulation. Spring is a great time to lift or rotate items to open airflow pathways; making both heating and cooling systems more efficient.

4. Use houseplants as mini humidifiers

Plants like peace lilies, spider plants and pothos naturally release moisutre. A few clusters placed near sunny windows can help regulate indoor humidity, making the house feel cooler without adjusting the thermostat.

5. "Borrow" outdoor light with reflective décor

Place a mirror or reflective tray across from a bright window. This amplifies outdoor light deeper into a room, allowing you to keep overhead lights off longer in the morning and evening.

6. Set a two-month spring timer to check your fridge coils

Most people don't remember to vacuum refrigerator coils but doing it in the spring removes winter dust buildup and can reduce energy use. A simple calendar reminder makes it painless.

7. Embrace the spring "micro cooking" era

Spring fruits and veggies cook fast so, instead of heating a full oven, lean on toaster ovens, air fryers; induction burners and microwaves.

8. Wash clothes with cold water & add a dash of sunshine

Use cold water wash cycles, then hang items near open windows or in a breezy area indoors to get the freshness of line drying.

9. Create a "spring charging station" in one spot

Phantom load season is real; chargers continue to use energy even when devices aren't plugged in. Setting up a central power strip for phones, tablets, earbuds and smartwatches makes it easy to turn off everything at once.

10. Using window screens as passive cooling tools

Clean your window screens (the dust layer acts like a blanket), then slightly mist them with water during hot afternoons. As breezes pass through, they create a mini evaporative cooling effect; a natural chill without running the AC.

For more energy-saving tips, visit sdge.com/SimpleSteps.

Actual savings obtained in each instance may vary and will depend on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, equipment installed, usage rates and so forth. Completing multiple energy-saving measures will not necessarily result in cumulative savings.