Bright ideas for a safe and energy-efficient holiday season
Ameren Missouri shares effective ways to save energy
The holidays can be a costly and stressful time of year, but there are small things you can do to keep spirits high and energy costs low.
“With all the fun and cheer that the holidays bring, there is also an uptick in energy demand, which translates to higher bills,” said Wanda Sams, program supervisor of energy efficiency at Ameren Missouri. “There are a wide variety of sustainable and safe modifications you can make to your energy usage habits to help lower your energy bills and eliminate additional seasonal stress.”
Ameren Missouri reminds its customers to inspect light strands for damage prior to plugging them in, avoid overloading electrical circuits or outlets and keep decorations away from heat sources such as fireplaces and space heaters.
Below are some simple ways to minimize energy usage while keeping the holidays merry and bright:
Decorate efficiently. String up ENERGY STAR® certified lights, which use 75% less energy per strand than incandescent lights. LED holiday lights are available for indoor and outdoor use.
Program your holiday lights. Use a smart plug to turn on your outdoor lights only during peak hours when people are most likely to see them. You can control the plug through an app on your phone, set a schedule or turn them on/off from anywhere. This will significantly reduce your energy consumption compared to leaving your display on all night long.
Incorporate energy-free decorations. Decorations like wreaths, ribbons and garlands can add beauty to any holiday display without requiring any additional energy usage. In addition, shiny ornaments and tinsel can help magnify the effects of your holiday lighting without adding to your energy bill.
Install a smart thermostat. Program the smart thermostat with your schedule so you can lower the temperature in the home while you are away. By simply lowering the temperature of your home for eight hours a day, it’s possible to save as much as 10% on energy bills. Remember to turn down your thermostat prior to cooking or having guests over, when your home is likely to get stuffy from extra body heat.
Use alternate kitchen appliances. The stove uses a great deal of energy and can increase your emissions and electric bill significantly. Rather than using your stove on a daily basis, make the switch to a crock pot or air fryer.
For more tips on how to stay safe this holiday season, please visit Ameren.com/Safety.