ST. LOUIS — As the scorching summer heat continues to grip the nation, people are not only enduring the misery outdoors but also facing the inevitable rise in energy costs inside their homes.
For those confined indoors, finding ways to stay comfortable and cool can be costly.
Ameren powers homes, but the energy company also has tips to help empower consumers with energy-saving tips. Shelly Harmon, Ameren's manager of energy efficiency, shared some insights to help homeowners stay cool and save money.
Use a fan along with your air conditioner.
"First, we want customers to be safe," said Harmon. "But there are ways that you can save."
Harmon said utilizing a fan simultaneously with the air conditioner creates a cooling effect similar to a wind chill. This combination helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioner.
While using a fan and air conditioning together may initially seem unnecessary, it actually allows you to raise your thermostat temperature by three degrees without sacrificing comfort. This minor adjustment can lead to significant energy savings in the long run.
Keep your curtains and blinds closed during the day.
Keeping curtains and blinds closed during the day helps block out heat. Harmon suggests using medium-colored drapes with a white light lining to minimize heat gain by up to 33%. This simple measure can make a substantial difference in energy consumption and cooling costs.
"Those are significant savings for just an easy thing to do," Harmon said.
Make sure your air vents are clean and unobstructed.
Harmon says regularly cleaning air filters and ensuring that curtains or furniture are not blocking the vents allows for proper airflow and helps the air conditioning system operate efficiently.
Use your grill to cook outside.
Summertime is often synonymous with grilling season, and Harmon suggests making the most of it to save energy. By cooking outdoors, people can utilize smaller appliances instead of larger ones, minimizing the heat generated inside the house.
"And even better yet, if you can your friends or family to cook outside, that will really save," Harmon said.
Program your thermostats.
Harmon urges homeowners to program their thermostats, particularly with the use of smart thermostats. Utility companies often offer rebates on smart thermostats, some of which can be acquired for free. These devices automatically adjust temperatures to keep the house cooler when people are at home and warmer when they are away, resulting in substantial energy and cost savings of up to $180 per year.
In addition to these energy-saving tips, Ameren Missouri and local community action groups, such as Cool Down St. Louis, are extending a helping hand to customers struggling to pay their energy bills this summer. Those in need can reach out to these organizations for assistance and support.
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