If the warm spells from this winter can tell us anything, it’s that spring is going to be right around the corner! This year, do yourself a favor and cut down on your energy bills while you do your spring cleaning by following these spring energy saving tips!

Energy Saving Tip #1 – Upgrade your air conditioner: If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, 2011 might be the year to upgrade! Replacing your existing air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR air conditioner can reduce your cooling costs by as much as 20% or more!

When choosing an air conditioner, be sure to check the two ratings on the side: the SEER and the EER. Air conditioners with higher ratings are more energy efficient. Certain ratings (16 SEER and 13 EER for split system air conditioners and 14 SEER and 12 EER for packaged air conditioners) will qualify you for the 2011 energy tax credit!

Energy Saving Tip #2 – Use your ceiling fan: one very easy way to cut down your energy costs this spring is to use your ceiling fan instead of your air conditioner to cool your home. Crack your windows and run the fan counterclockwise to push cool air down. While this won’t change the actual temperature of the room, it will make you feel cooler – what more do you need?

Energy Saving Tip #3 – Get rid of hot air: use the exhaust fan above the stove when cooking to remove excess heat that rises off the stove (cooling costs will outweigh the fan’s energy costs). Also, take cooler showers or baths. If you enjoy taking warm showers, keep a window open and turn on the fan – you’ll keep out more humidity, which holds heat longer.

Energy Saving Tip #4 – Cook outside instead of inside: Using the stove or oven can create large amounts of heat inside your home, forcing your air conditioner to work harder in the evenings. The easiest way to avoid this problem? Celebrate the great outdoors by firing up the grill and cooking some burgers, hot dogs and sausages – whatever you want! You’ll get some delicious summer food (and a great excuse to reduce your cooling costs!). You can also keep the heat down by cooking with the microwave or using countertop appliances like a Panini press.

Energy Saving Tip #5 – Get new light bulbs: change out your incandescent light bulbs for ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs. Not only do they create less heat, they last longer and they will also save you between $30 – $40 per bulb over their lifetime.

Energy Saving Tip #6 – Schedule chores properly: waiting until nighttime to do your laundry and dishwashing will help you avoid generating extra heat inside your home. You can also take advantage of warm temperatures by hanging your clothes outside to dry instead of using your dryer.

Energy Saving Tip #7 – Keep the sunlight out of your home: this one may sound a little counterintuitive (after all, who doesn’t want sunlight?), but if you close your shades and blinds during the warmest part of the day (usually between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM) you’ll keep your house cooler, so your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard.

Energy Saving Tip #8 – Turn down the water heater: turn your water heater down to 120°F. Not only will this save money, but it will also reduce the risk of scalding, especially if you have young children.

Energy Saving Tip #9 – Check your dehumidifier: a dehumidifier is a great way to keep cooling costs down and make your home more comfortable, but if the dehumidifier is the wrong size, it can actually end up costing you more! Make sure your dehumidifier is the right size for your home before you run it.

Energy Saving Tip #10 – Keep yourself cool: this one is kind of a no-brainer, but it bears mentioning. The most cost efficient way to keep cool is to wear light clothing and drink lots of water! It won’t cost you anything and the effects will be immediate!