Six easy ways to start the new year with simple energy-saving solutions. January is the perfect time to start smart new habits and refresh old ones. If one of their resolutions is to save money this year, some simple technology upgrades, minor maintenance, and a couple of small shifts in lifestyle can go a long way in reducing home energy costs year-round.
With National Cut Your Energy Costs Day coming up on January 10, Ameren Missouri has put together a list of six energy savings resolutions for homeowners or renters to implement this year:
- Turn down the water heater: A water heater set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher can waste $36-$61 each year. Turn the down to 120 degrees to save energy without giving up warm showers in the cold winter months.
- Seal air leaks: It’s never too late to caulk around windows and doors to prevent heat from escaping the home. It can even help them save up to 10% on their energy bill.
- Use advanced power strips: Ideal for TV and PC setups, these power strips reduce the amount of standby power electronics waste, which can save the average household $100 per year.
- Switch to LED lighting: The average home spends 11% of its energy budget just on lighting, but switching to ENERGY STAR-certified LED specialty light bulbs uses 80% less energy and lasts up to 25 times longer than conventional incandescent lighting. Ameren Missouri offers discounts to its residential electric customers on LED specialty light bulbs through participating retailers.
- Lower the thermostat: By lowering the temperature to 68 degrees Fahrenheit for at least eight hours a day, it's possible to save as much as 10% on heating bills. Layer up with sweaters or sweatshirts to stay cozy on chilly days.
- Consider energy-efficient home upgrades: Ameren Missouri customers may qualify for a free home energy assessment to identify where energy is being lost and help them find cost-effective solutions.
Author's quote
Customers tend to use more energy in the winter since we’re usually spending more time inside
“Customers tend to use more energy in the winter since we’re usually spending more time inside,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy solutions at Ameren Missouri.
“Making a few small changes can add up to hundreds of dollars a year in savings and build lifelong good energy usage habits. We also recommend customers track their energy usage through their online dashboard and consider enrolling in usage alerts to help them track their costs throughout the month."
Peak Time Savings Program
Additional savings on smart thermostats, advanced power strips, LED bulbs and more can be found at Ameren.com/Missouri. Ameren Missouri customers who own or purchase a qualifying smart thermostat can also earn a $50 sign-up bonus and receive $25 annually for enrolling in the Peak Time Savings Program.
Ameren Missouri is committed to helping customers save and stay warm during the winter months, especially during challenging times. Qualifying homeowners and renters can receive assistance in the form of weatherization improvements to their homes, such as caulking, weather stripping and more, through local agencies and contractors.