Energy Saving Tips

HVAC Equipment

• Keep equipment clean and well-maintained to improve efficiency
• Look at energy efficiency when purchasing new equipment. Look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings. The national minimum standards are 78% AFUE and 10 SEER. Before making your purchase check out IPL's Rebate program for energy-efficient equipment. Click here to visit our Rebates page.
• Purchase the right size equipment for the job. Too large or too small an air conditioner will be less efficient over time, than a properly sized unit.

Lighting

• Turn off the lights when you leave the room!
• Use task lighting just where you need it, rather than lighting the entire room.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED light bulbs. They use much less energy and last approximately 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. LED light bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs but pay for themselves over time.
• If you have questions on how to purchase LED light bulbs use our reference guide. How to Buy LED light bulbs

Weatherproofing and Insulation

• Seal and insulate duct systems to keep heated or cooled air from leaking into spaces that are not heated or cooled.
• When the fireplace is not in use keep the flue damper tightly closed.
• Caulk and weather strip doors and windows that leak air.
• Install gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls.
• Install exterior or interior storm windows in new construction, repair and weatherize current storm windows if necessary.

Programmable Thermostats

• Use programmable thermostats to keep heating and cooling costs to a minimum. In the summer you can save money by automatically setting temperatures higher (within your comfort and health requirements) when the home is unoccupied and at night when you are sleeping.
• Keep equipment that generates heat away from thermostats.

Trees

• Plant shade trees on the south and west sides of your home to shade and cool your house. In the winter after losing their leaves, they will still allow winter sunlight to warm your home. Remember to call 1-800-344-7483 (DIG-RITE) or go online Missouri One Call to mark underground power lines before you dig.
• Evergreen trees planted on the north and west side of a home can deflect winter winds. Planted on the south and west sides of a home, they can deflect summer winds.
• Many local libraries and landscape companies can provide information on how to landscape for energy efficiency.

Appliances

• Look for the EnergyGuide label when shopping for new appliances. The label will tell you the estimated energy consumption on a scale showing a range for similar models. The label will also show the estimated yearly operating cost for that appliance, based on the national average cost of electricity.
• Look for the Energy Star label on new appliances. They are approved by the Department of Energy as being energy efficient.
• Check the seals on refrigerator doors by closing them over a dollar bill. If they pull out easily, you may need to make sure the refrigerator is level or replace the seal around the door.
• Wash clothes in full loads with cold water whenever possible.

For more information on how you can save energy at home call us at (816) 325-7485 or contact us by email. We will be happy to send you a FREE booklet