Tip of the Day

Lighting consumes a lot of energy! Switch to ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs today. These bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy and lasts up to 10 times longer than conventional incandescent lighting. Click here to view the savings and purchase these bulbs online today!  [Learn more energy-saving tips]

Energy House Click here to view changes you can make around your house to save energy, money and the environment.	Act On Energy® Checklist Are you doing everything you can to conserve energy? Print the handy home energy-efficiency checklist for specific tactics to use energy wisely and save on your next bill. Click here to open.	Act On Energy® Videos Link to videos with tips on cutting your energy usage, discounted CFLs and more. Click here to watch them.

FALL/WINTER TIPS

Heating Your Home

• This winter, keep your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower to save. You save about 3 percent on your heating costs for each degree you are able to lower your thermostat.
• Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you're sleeping or away. Click here for more details.
• When entertaining in your home, turn down the thermostat a degree or two before your guests arrive. The additional body heat will make up the difference.
• Most water heaters only require a setting of 120 degrees. Lowering the setting of your water heater thermostat can save approximately 3 to 5 percent in energy costs.
• Only heat the rooms you need―close vents and doors of a few unused rooms.
• Replacing your furnace? The Ameren Illinois Utilities suggest getting one that’s rated 90 percent or higher in efficiency. Replacing your old furnace with an energy efficient one can save up to 30 percent of your heating costs. Click here for additional information and savings.
• Replace old windows. Storm windows can reduce heat loss by as much as 50 percent. New windows often pay for themselves within five years.
• An energy-efficient home provides a higher level of comfort and cost savings. Give your home a professional inspection today to learn how you can be more energy-efficient and save money. Click here for more savings information.
• Most people don’t replace their furnace or air conditioner until it stops working which is the worst time to make an important purchasing decision. Replacing your inefficient heating equipment could save you up to $200 a year in energy bills. Click here for additional information and savings.
• As you build your dream home, increase energy efficiency up to 30%, save money and help the environment by following ENERGY STAR® construction guidelines. Because the best time to improve the energy efficiency of your home is while you’re still building it. Click here for additional information and savings.
• Lighting consumes a lot of energy! Switch to ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs today. These bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy and lasts up to 10 times longer than conventional incandescent lighting. Click here to view the savings and purchase these bulbs online today!

Insulation and Air Flow

• Adequate insulation in your attic, ceilings, walls, floors and crawlspaces can reduce your energy usage by up to 30 percent. In the Midwest, experts recommend 9 to 15 inches of blown or blanket insulation in an attic.
• Call an HVAC specialist to check your insulation.
• Clean the air vents regularly. Make sure drapes and furniture do not block the air vents or returns.
• Cover the gaps around chimney and furnace flues with metal flashing and caulk small gaps with high-temperature caulk.
• Set ceiling fans to run counter clockwise so the warm air is pushed to the outside walls making the temperature in your home more comfortable.
• It costs only $2 a month to use ceiling and other fans to circulate air. Click here to learn about rebates on ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans.

Landscaping

• Plant shrubs, bushes and vines next to your home to create dead air spaces that will help insulate exterior walls in the summer. Make sure to leave at least one foot of space between the wall and the fully mature plant.
• Shade trees shield your home from the hot summer sun. Be sure to plant the right tree in the right place to avoid potential tree and wire conflicts as the tree matures.
• Don't dig until you call JULIE at 811 or 1-800-892-0123.