MISSOURI — With Earth Day around the corner, Ameren is sharing some easy ways for its customers to have a positive impact on the environment while reducing monthly energy bills.
To help customers achieve maximum energy cost savings, Ameren suggests tackling these high priority “spring cleaning” projects:
- Replace your air filters. The best way to improve the performance of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged or dirty filters obstruct airflow, which can impair the evaporator coil’s heat-absorbing capacity and make the system work harder and run longer. In fact, replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
- Give your refrigerator a deep clean. Refrigerators run constantly and use up to 14% of a home’s electricity. Keep your refrigerator two-thirds full for improved circulation. Next time you clean out the fridge, wipe down the seals around the door to keep them spotless, which will prevent cold air from escaping, and carefully clean the condenser coils. Dirty coils cause a refrigerator to work harder to keep food cool.
- Check your lighting fixtures. As you clean your lamps, sconces and overhead lights, check for old lightbulbs and replace them with LED ones. They use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs also emit minimal heat, so they can help keep your home cooler.
- Clean the sliding door track. If your home has an exterior sliding glass door, clean out the track. Dirt and grime can ruin the door’s seal and allow cool air to escape.
- Put ceiling fans in reverse. As you are dusting off those fan blades, flip the switch on your ceiling fan to rotate them counterclockwise. It will push the cool air down so your air conditioning system does not have to work as hard.
- Let the cool air in. Take advantage of those cool spring nights by opening the windows to let the cool air in. Don’t forget to close them during the day to keep the warm air out.
- Plant trees for shade. Planting deciduous trees on the south-facing side of your home can provide shade in the spring and summer. When the trees eventually lose their leaves, the sun will shine through and warm your home in the fall and winter.
“Spring is a great time to give the often-neglected areas of our homes, like cooling systems and sections heavily impacting air flow, some attention to keep them running efficiently,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy solutions at Ameren Missouri. “Dust and grime can easily build up and cause your home to work harder, which you ultimately see on your energy bill.”
Providing customers with energy savings tips is part of Ameren’s ongoing commitment to help them minimize their energy expenses without sacrificing comfort. Ameren believes that the first step to take toward energy savings starts with a home energy assessment. You can learn where your home uses energy and discover ways to save on your monthly energy statement. You may even qualify for a free, no-obligation assessment in Missouri or Illinois with installation of products like LED lightbulbs, smart thermostats and advanced power strips.
Big Savings with Smart Thermostats
Warmer weather is around the corner, and Ameren is offering a special promotion on smart thermostats in each state. For a limited time, customers in Missouri and Illinois can purchase a Google Nest or Sensi Smart Thermostat for $0 (plus shipping and sales tax).
“Smart thermostats can help customers save between 10% to 20% on their heating and cooling costs,” said Kristol Simms, vice president of clean energy transition, economic, community and business development at Ameren Illinois. “With the increase in energy supply costs, this is a gift every Ameren Illinois customer can benefit from for years to come.”
The thermostats featured in the spring promotion make a home eligible for Ameren Missouri’s Peak Time Savings program. On the occasional peak hot days that create a heavier demand for energy, the program precools your home, which helps you stay comfortable during Peak Time Savings events. Those who enroll in the program earn a $50 sign-up bonus and will receive a yearly $25 credit on their energy statements.
To find even more ways to save, visit AmerenMissouriSavings.com or AmerenIllinoisSavings.com.