With temperatures forecast to reach triple digits this week, Ameren Missouri is encouraging customers to stay safe by utilizing their air conditioners.
“You can take simple steps, such as closing the blinds or turning on ceiling fans, to reduce the strain on your air conditioner,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy solutions at Ameren Missouri.” We want everyone to stay safe and cool this summer.”
Ameren Missouri is also preparing for the hot weather and ready to respond to customer needs.
“We understand how important energy is to our everyday lives, especially in times of extreme heat,” said Tim Lafser, vice president of power operations at Ameren Missouri. “As the summer heat settles in, we want customers to know Ameren Missouri has enough energy available to cover theirneeds. Should the situation change, we will be proactive and reach out to customers.”Customers areurged to take advantage of available resources to safely navigate the summer heat and consider the following energy-saving tips to save on energy costs.
Ameren Missouri’s Cool-Down Tips:
1. Seek the shade. Keep curtains and drapes closed, especially during the afternoon, to reduce the heat indoors by 33%.
2. Feel the breeze. Set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. Supplementing the air conditioner with a ceiling fan enables you to set the thermostat about four degrees higher without affecting your comfort.
3. Close off unused rooms. Close doors and air vents in rooms you aren’t using, so your air conditioner can focus on cooling the rest of the house.
4. Cook dinner outdoors. Grill dinner outside to reduce excess heat produced in the kitchen from large appliances.
5. Clean out air conditioner filters. Cleanout HVAC ducts and change the air filter so your air conditioner can run as efficiently as possible.
6. Reduce hot water use. Take shorter, coolers howers and use bathroom exhaust fans to remove heat and humidity.
7. Upgrade your thermostat. Install a smart thermostat that can be programmed to automatically run cooler when you are home and a bit warmer when you are out of the house. Upgrading to a smart thermostat can help save up to $180 in energy costs each year. For a limited time, customers can purchase a Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat and Emporia Smart Plug for just $1 plus sales tax –a $138 value.
If you’re struggling to pay your utility bill, help is available. Reach out to Ameren Missouri or your local community action agency for assistance. Visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistancefor details on the variety of programs available to help customers offset energy costs this summer.
Rebates and savings opportunities on energy-saving products are available for customers at AmerenMissouriSavings.com. In addition to the $1 Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat and Emporia Smart Plug offer, customers also have the option to purchase the advanced Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat and Emporia Smart Plug bundle for just $55.99 plus tax – a $123 value.
Now is the time for customers to update their contact information at Ameren.com/Alerts, so Ameren Missouri can communicate information and updates.
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missourior follow us on Twitter at @AmerenMissourior Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.
