Ameren Offers Tips for Saving Energy, Keeping Cool
Today, 72 percent of American homes have air conditioners, with about 8 million new air conditioners sold in the United States annually. A great way to cool your home, air conditioners can lead to high energy costs, unless you are alert to these energy facts:
	If you have central air conditioning, keep windows and doors closed and cool only the rooms you use. But don’t close all your vents―this actually reduces operating efficiency.
	Set the thermostat as high as comfortable. The recommended energy efficient summer temperature is 78 degrees.
	Turn your thermostat up when you leave the house for several days or longer. However, avoid moving the thermostat up and down throughout the day, which wastes energy and money. Placing the thermostat at extremes won’t cool your home any faster; it only makes your system work harder.
	Keep the heat out of your home by drawing shades and curtains.
	For homes without air conditioning, during the heat of the day, avoid activities that will add heat to your home.
	Ceiling fans are the most efficient way to circulate air, and they will allow you to raise the temperature setting on your air conditioner without sacrificing comfort.
	For a window fan to work properly, always have another window open in the area the fan is meant to ventilate. Position window fans to blow air out of the house during the day and pull cooler air into the house after dark.
More tips for saving energy in your home and business are available on this site.