Stay cool this summer and save MONEY!
No-Cost Summer Energy-Savings Ideas 

• Set thermostat to 78-degrees or higher
• Close blinds and drapes to keep the sun from warming your home
• Use toaster ovens, crockpots, microwaves and grills. They use less energy than the stove or oven.
• Plant trees on the south and west sides of your home to provide shade and reduce cooling costs
• Change the direction of your ceiling fan's paddles. They should circulate air downward.
• Going on vacation? Unplug all electrical applicances and set the thermostat to 80 degrees or more.
• Where do you use the most energy? Our online energy calculator will help you find out.

Year-Round Energy Tips:

• Set the water heater's thermostat to low
• Wash clothes in cold water
• Turn off lights and ceiling fans when not in use
• Turn off computers and other electronic items when not in use
• Clean the coils under the refrigerator

More ways to save $
on your electric bill:

• Install a programmable thermostat 
• Change filters on your air conditioner/heater monthly
• Have your A/C and furnace serviced by a professional once a year
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs.
  • CFLs can save you as much as 75% on energy costs
  • What will you save? Use the Light Bulb Energy Saver Calculator to find out.

• Seal around pipes where they penetrate walls and floors
• Improve attic insulation to at least R-38
• Use motion detectors or timers to cut down on outdoor lighting times
• Improve/replace weather stripping around doors and windows
• Consider adding solar screens or window tinting
• Replace old appliances with Energy Star-rated appliances!
  • Old fridge? See if it's time to replace it with the Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator.
  • A/C more than 10 years old? Consider replacing it with an Energy Star-rated unit with a SEER rating of 14 or higher.  (Click here for a list of questions to ask your HVAC contractor.)
  • Consider replacing single pane windows with low-E Energy Star-rated windows.

• Live in a mobile home? Click here for a guide to improving your home's energy efficiency. 
  

Loans for home repair

The USDA's 504 Grant Program is a loan program to enable rural homeowners to make critical repairs.
Learn more at:  

• http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/MO-fact504.html

Federal Tax Credits

Federal tax credits are available for many home improvements that increase your home's energy efficiency. Check out the following links to learn how you can take advantage of these credits:

• www.irs.gov
• www.energystar.gov

Other useful links:

• www.togetherwesave.com
• www.energysavers.gov
• www.energyright.com

Links to Informative Energy Saving Videos:

• From EnergyStar.gov — low-cost energy savings tips! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2OgsOUwPrw
• Should you ditch that old fridge? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB87VucoQHo&feature=related
• CFLs - a better choice! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0PUOkoAeuM&feature=related
• How to read an Energy Star label: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VcG9sif12Q&feature=related