ST. LOUIS – Spring in the Midwest often brings wildly fluctuating temperatures – but it also brings opportunities to reduce your energy consumption and lower your bills.
“Temperatures can vary a lot this time of year, which may have customers wanting to adjust the thermostat more often than usual to switch between heating and air conditioning,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy efficiency and demand response at Ameren Missouri. “Making a few small adjustments around the house can balance out your home’s internal temperature without the extra energy usage.”
Ameren is sharing some tips and tricks to manage your energy use this spring.
- Stay energy neutral – On mild spring days, temperatures may rise to that “sweet spot” where neither heat nor AC is required. Take advantage by opening windows and screen doors to stay in the perfect neutral zone.
- Replace air filters – HVAC filters should be replaced every three months to keep systems running efficiently. Replacing a dirty filter can lower the air conditioner’s energy consumption by as much as 15% and help keep allergens like pet dander, dust and pollen from circulating through your home.
- Adjust ceiling fan rotation – As the weather warms up, make sure your ceiling fan is rotating in a counterclockwise rotation, pushing cooler air down to the floor. On warmer spring days, this simple adjustment allows you to raise your thermostat by four degrees while still staying comfortable, lowering your energy bills over time.
- Plant deciduous trees – Planting the right tree in the right place can provide shade for your home and cut your energy costs by 30%. Remember to stay safe and call 811 at least three business days before starting any digging project.
- Use an advanced power strip – Another easy step to take during spring cleaning is to plug electronics into an advanced power strip instead of the wall, reducing phantom loads and saving up to $100 a year. Remember to turn them off when not in use to avoid drawing unneeded energy.
- Harness the sun for outdoor lighting – Because we’re getting more daylight hours, consider replacing porch and pathway lighting with solar-powered lights. They are easy to install, virtually maintenance-free and save on your electric usage.
The warmer temperatures also make it easier to start outdoor projects that can benefit energy efficiency efforts in the future as well, such as strategically planted deciduous trees.
“Since spring weather has thawed the ground, it’s a good time to consider planting trees on your property,” said Babette Washington, senior manager of energy efficiency operations at Ameren Illinois. “Planting native trees on the south-facing side of your home can provide shade in the spring and summer, and when trees lose their leaves, the sun will shine through and warm your home in fall and winter.”
Supercharge Your Savings with Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats can help you better manage your home’s temperature and save an average of 10% to 20% on heating and cooling costs. Customers can find several ways to save leading up to Earth Day at AmerenIllinoisEEMarketplace.com and AmerenMissouriMarketplace.com, which offer sales on smart thermostats, advanced power strips, LED bulbs and more. Both states are currently offering zero- or low-cost smart thermostat options, including Google Nest (tax and shipping not included).
Purchasing a qualifying smart thermostat makes a home eligible for Ameren’s Peak Time Savings
Program in Illinois and Missouri. 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. Customers who enroll can also earn a $50 sign-up bonus and will receive $25 annually.
To find even more ways to save,
visit AmerenMissouriSavings.com or AmerenIllinoisSavings.com. You can also visit your online account to access personalized solutions to make it easier to stay on top of your energy bill each month. Explore your account to easily pay your bill, view your usage, enroll in alerts and discover a wide range of tools to help you save time, energy and money.
About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.