Want your home to be more energy-efficient? With these quick tips from Ameren Illinois, you’ll be able to reduce your energy use with everyday household items.
Reduce Phantom Power
Phantom power is the energy that’s wasted when electronic devices are plugged in but not in use. Defeat those phantoms by using a smart power strip for all your electronics, including the TV, surround sound, and gaming systems. When you’re not using the electronics, smart power strips automatically stop the flow of power to your devices and save up to $100 a year.
Adjust the Thermostat to Save Energy
Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter and raise it to 76 degrees in the summer to reduce your heating and cooling costs. While you’re at it, next time you host Thanksgiving or a winter get-together, turn the thermostat down a couple of degrees and let the heat from your guests do the work.
Vacuum Your Vents
Dirt and dust in your air vents can prevent your heat and air conditioning from properly heating and cooling your home. Use your vacuum to clean them out and keep the air flowing freely.
Match Your Ceiling Fan to the Season
Your fan has two settings, clockwise and counterclockwise, that need to be changed throughout the year to help keep your living room at the ideal temperature. During the winter, your fan should rotate clockwise to pull cold air up to the ceiling and force warm air down and out toward the walls. When the weather starts to warm up, flip the switch on your fan to counterclockwise so you feel a breeze while standing directly under the fan, making you feel cooler.
Move Furniture Away From the Windows
Though sitting next to a window is great for the view, it can make you feel colder during the winter. Move your big pieces of furniture, like the bed or sofa, away from the windows and closer to the center of the room to feel warmer without turning up the temperature.
Clear Your Radiator and Vents
Be sure to move any furniture or curtains away from your radiator and heating/cooling vents so they aren’t blocking the airflow and the heat or A/C can flow freely through your home.
Find all the supplies you need for your energy savings project at your local Rural King.
For more energy-saving tips and projects, visit the Ameren Illinois Energy Savings Center.