Tips for Saving Energy in your Home this Summer

	Computers & Office Equipment
		Consider using laptops instead of desktop computers. A laptop uses 90 percent less energy than a desktop, and generates less heat than a desktop.
		Make your next printer an ink-jet. Ink-jet printers consume 90 percent less energy than laser printers.
		Reduce the number of documents you fax. Instead, send documents by e-mail or place them online (intranet or internet) for access.
		Turn off any machines and equipment when not needed or during non-business hours. This includes computers, monitors, printers, copiers, scanners and even task lighting. You can reduce the amount of energy required for a computer by about 75 percent just by turning it off at the end of the work day and over the weekends.
		Buy energy-efficient equipment when replacing office equipment. Compare the energy consumption of various models. The energy consumption by models with similar speeds and features can vary significantly. The Energy Star® label will help you identify high-efficiency office equipment.
	Air Conditioners
		Install programmable thermostats and set the temperature at 78 degrees during business hours. Make sure to have your cooling system checked annually. Replacing filters and cleaning your system can also help its efficiency.
		Avoid installing a thermostat near a heat source, such as a copier or direct sunlight.
		Install reflectors on your air conditioning vents if they are on the floor. The reflectors will help direct the cooler air upward. Help keep the cool air moving - keep the vents clear of drapes, equipment, desks or large floor plants.
		Consider adding fans or other re-circulating systems to create air movement. This normally improves the work area's comfort zone for employees. Note: Ceiling fans work well year-round. In the winter they can help circulate warm air from the ceiling down to the work area.
		Install solar film or shades on windows exposed to direct sunlight. This can help reduce the need for cooling that area by as much as 30 percent.
		Check the insulation of your building and work areas. Decorative insulated ceiling tiles can save up to 30 percent of your cooling costs. In addition, check for air leaks around windows and doors. Add caulking and weather-stripping, where needed, to help keep the cool air inside.
		Plant a tree! Consider planting deciduous trees or shrubs on the south and west sides of your building. This will help provide shade and block reflected heat from nearby pavement or buildings during the summer. The trees will drop their leaves in the fall, allowing the sunlight during the winter to help warm your building.
	Lighting
		Install lighting occupancy sensors in low-use areas. These sensors may work well in conference rooms, break rooms or individual offices that are not occupied on a full-time basis.
		Turn off lights when they are not needed. Leave only minimal lighting on during non-business hours.
		Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). This replacement will help save about 50 percent on your lighting costs. CFLs require only one-fourth the energy and will last up to 10 time longer than incandescent bulbs.
		Add reflectors to conventional ceiling-mounted fluorescent downlight fixtures. The reflectors can significantly improve light distribution with high reflectivity and directional control. This may allow some delamping in the work area.
		Periodically clean or replace the light lenses. All light lenses get dirty and discolored with age. Old and dirty lenses can absorb as much as 30 percent of the light that tries to pass through them.
		Replace incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps in light fixtures and exit signs. These lamps provide the same amount of light and use 75 percent less energy.
		Ask cleaning personnel to light only the areas they are cleaning and to turn off the lights as they leave the areas.
	Water Heaters
		Repair any dripping faucets. If you have automatic faucets in restrooms, check the length of time the water runs. Change the timing if adjustments are needed and can be made. If you have showers in your work place, install low flow shower heads to conserve the use of hot water.
		Insulate your hot water pipes and tanks especially if they are in unheated areas.
	Industrial Equipment
		Ameren offers many products and services to help you make sure your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible―and will not break down when you need it most!
		Ameren's Value-Added Partner Network (VAPN) provides a listing of energy-related service providers for commercial & industrial customers.
	Other Tips
		Energy-saving solutions for contractors and builders, building managers, industry managers and others are available from the Energy Savers Web site.