PRESS RELEASE: The Gifts of Energy Savings – Ways to Save on Heating, Lighting & Surfing
Jefferson City, MO – As the holidays are fast approaching, Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future is asking Missourians to give themselves the gift of energy saving by taking advantage of tips to reduce energy costs within the home. Here are some tips from Missouri energy companies about how to save on heating, lighting and powering electronics, like computers and cell phones.
Heating Tips
· Laclede Gas says that consumers can save as much as 5% on their energy bills for every degree the temperature is reduced in the home and suggests utilizing a programmable thermostat.
· KCP&L says that finding and sealing air leaks can cut heat loss by as much as 25% to 50% and suggests using expanding foam spray, caulk and aluminum tape to fill gaps.
· Ameren Missouri cites a study reporting that consumers can spend as much as $500 on heating bill due to open dampers on fireplaces. Ameren suggests either closing the damper or investing in fireplace plug, flue sealer, or chimney balloon to prevent heat from escaping.
· KCP&L recommends tending to the home’s HVAC system by cleaning and replacing filters as well as keeping registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators clear of furniture.
· Many families on a budget close off rooms not frequently used, but Laclede Gas warns not to seal off 1/5th, or 20%, of the entire house to ensure the furnace operates as it should.
· Ameren Missouri cites the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimation that 20% can be saved on heating costs with the right insulation and recommends visiting the DOE’s Guide to Home Insulation for more information.
Lighting Tips
· KCP&L recommends replacing traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) that use 75% less energy and can last as much as 10 times longer. Ameren Missouri also recommends LED lights, which are roughly 75% to 80% more energy efficient than regular bulbs.
· KCP&L suggests opening window shades or blinds to utilize more natural light when available. They also suggest using the sun’s rays to help with outdoor lighting solutions by using solar-powered lights, which could eliminate outdoor lighting costs.
· Ameren suggests turning lights off in rooms not in use and recommends timers and motion sensors to ensure lights are turned off.
Electronics
· KCP&L recommends powering down a computer not being used for an extended period of time, warning that even in “sleep mode” enough energy can be drawn to add 10% to an electric bill.
· Ameren Missouri also warns that chargers left in outlets or even appliances that are turned off, but remain plugged in, can draw these same “phantom” or “vampire” loads.
· Both electric companies recommend plugging various power cords into one power strip so that phantom draws can be shut off to selected electronics with the flip of a switch.
