Two great tools to help you save
How can I get the most out of my heating and cooling systems? Are energy-efficient appliances worth the extra money? Which home improvement projects have built-in energy savings?
Here are two tools you can use to make your home more energy-efficient.
1. If you have a computer and 20 minutes free, KCP&L's Energy Analyzer tool can help you save home energy. This online tool provides ideas for simple, do-it-yourself home improvements. You enter specifics about your home and appliances and it does the rest.
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® is available to Missouri customers only.
2. For a comprehensive list of improvements that can significantly cut your energy bills, consider having an ENERGY STAR® home performance audit. It includes two home visits, the audit and the auditor's recommendations. It costs more, but it also saves more, and the improvements can be prioritized and spaced out over time to work with your budget.
Save computer energy
5 energy-saving tips for your home computer
1. Turn it off. Unlike the early days, computer equipment doesn’t last longer if it’s never turned off.
2. Don’t rely on your screen saver. You’ll save more by auto-switching to sleep mode or manually turning your monitor off.
3. Make the next one a laptop. Most use 15-60 watts - far less than desktops
4. Use smart power strips. They save more energy than traditional power strips.
5. Activate the power management features. Don’t expect it to happen automatically.
Energy$mart winter tips
Open shades and drapes on your home’s sunny south and west sides during the day. Close them at night.
Set your hot water
temperature to no higher than 120º F to cut your water heating costs up to 10%.
Replace your 5 most
frequently used light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® bulbs to save more than $60 in yearly energy costs.
Wear warmer clothes
instead of turning up the thermostat.