Seasonal Savings: Ameren Missouri shares efficiency tips to help customers save this holiday season
Simple steps and instant savings can help families manage winter energy costs
With the holiday season in full swing, Ameren Missouri reminds customers of a few simple efficiency steps they can take to keep their celebrations bright, while helping them save money on their energy bill. ENERGY STAR® certified LED light strings use up to 75% less energy than incandescent strands, providing savings to customers while also reducing the potential for a fire. Using timers or smart plugs so lights run only from dusk through peak evening hours and turning the thermostat down a few degrees when cooking or hosting are additional ways customers can save on their bill.
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.
“Simple adjustments during the holidays can add up to real savings,” said Tony Lozano, director of efficiency and demand response at Ameren Missouri. “And you can use this same approach all year long, because there are always small ways to adjust and save on your energy bills.”
Below are five more ways to minimize energy use while keeping the holidays merry and bright:
Appropriate use of outdoor decorations. Plug decorations into a GFCI outlet with a weatherproof in-use cover, keep connections off the ground and shut off inflatables when idle.
Batch your baking. Cook dishes back-to-back so a warm oven does double duty and use the oven light instead of opening the door. These habits help your oven use energy more efficiently.
Keep the Christmas tree safe. Keep the tree clear of supply and return vents, radiators and fireplaces so air circulates, the tree stays hydrated and heat isn’t wasted. It’s a small adjustment that can prevent wasted heat and save a few extra dollars on winter energy bills.
Cool and store food efficiently. Let hot dishes rest in shallow containers before refrigerating so your fridge doesn’t work overtime, reducing its energy use and helping keep a bit more money in your pocket by season’s end.
Prep for travel. Before heading out of town, set your water heater to “vacation,” lower the thermostat while you’re away, unplug nonessential electronics and indoor décor and close curtains.
Additionally, Ameren Missouri offers several tools and incentives to help customers save on their energy bills throughout the year. Customers can find instant discounts on energy-efficient products, including smart thermostats to help reduce heating and cooling costs, by visiting amerenmissourimarketplace.com. For more information on ways to save and stay safe this holiday season, please visit ameren.com.