COO/Energy Advisor
This year, we get to add another day to the month of February. This will be the 11th leap year I have been alive for. While I understand why we need to add the extra day (kind of), I wish we could have added it in a better month. Usually, February brings with it those cold days with no sunshine. I would have no complaints about having leap day land in July or August. Adding an extra day in February and living in Indiana just seems to be a cruel joke.
Being a fan of Dad jokes, I would have appreciated being born on leap year; the amount of mileage I would get out of that would drive everyone insane. I can see it now: going to a restaurant with my family of four and asking for three kids’ menus or telling everyone that my daughter and I are the same age — such a missed opportunity.
So, with the extra day in 2024, maybe I can get some of those winter day projects done. These projects will not take very long to mark off the list, and with the added day on your electric bill this year, it is a perfect year to try and save money.
DRYER VENT
Not only can cleaning out your vent save you from a fire, but it also allows your dryer to run more efficiently. Most dryers discharge out of the back of the unit, then turn down or up, creating a 90-degree bend, allowing lint to build up and, over time, restrict the airflow and lengthen drying times. I have also seen where the vent terminates outside having issues, like plugged screens or louvers. Sometimes, the damper is stuck open, allowing all that cold air to enter your home. So, taking an hour to accomplish this job can add to kWh savings and comfort.
REFRIGERATOR
This one is one of my least favorites. Taking the time to clean out your coil on the refrigerator seems like a big job, but with the proper tools, it can be accomplished easily. Most hardware stores sell an appliance brush for this exact purpose. It is long enough to reach all the way to the back of the fridge to remove the dust bunnies and build up off the coil. Then, use a vacuum to clean up the mess left behind by the brush. Keeping your coil clean helps your refrigerator to run more efficiently.
FURNACE FILTER
I know some of you probably are very diligent about checking your filter every month. In some homes, the filter might only need to be changed once or twice a year, while others might be every quarter. With the longer running times of the furnace for the last few months, it’s a great time to check your filter. With newer furnaces, a dirty filter can stop the system altogether.
Taking a few hours this year and knocking these off your list will save you some headaches in the future and money over time. I have only met a few people who were born on leap day. There must be something about that day that makes them different because they all seemed so mature for their age. (Yes, that was my attempt at a joke).
