COLLINSVILLE (March 25, 2025) – Winter is over, and the days are getting longer. Now is a good time to start preparing your home for the upcoming spring season. While homeowners clean up both inside and out, minor adjustments can help save energy and lower utility bills.
"Spring is a great time to evaluate your home and make sure it is efficient as possible," said Babette Washington, senior manager of energy efficiency programs for Ameren Illinois. "A few upgrades or changes can make a big impact on savings throughout the year."
- Ceiling Fans: If you changed the direction of your ceiling fans to go clockwise this winter, it’s time to switch them back. When your fans rotate counterclockwise, it creates a downward flow of air, so you feel cooler.
- Air Conditioner: Your air conditioner has likely accumulated a lot of dust from being dormant in the winter, so replace your AC filter before you start cooling your home. Additionally remove debris around the cooling unit. It is also an ideal time to schedule an HVAC tune up.
- Open the Windows: Take advantage of those cool spring nights by opening the windows at night to let the cool air in, then closing them during the day to keep the warm air out. With the welcoming feeling of fresh spring breezes, you might be inclined to do this regardless. Opening the windows is also an effective way to naturally aerate your home and may improve indoor air quality. Take this opportunity to wipe down the interior of the windowsills as they have most likely collected dust, dirt, and mold over the winter months.
- Plant trees: Plant deciduous trees on the south-facing side of your home to provide shade in the spring and summer. When the trees lose their leaves, the sun will shine through and warm your house in the fall and winter. Pro tip – call 811 before you dig.
- Go to the Marketplace: Shop discounted and no-cost energy efficiency products for your home such as smart thermostats, LED lightbulbs and advanced power strips at AmerenIllinoisEEMarketplace.com.
If you own or manage a multifamily property serviced by Ameren Illinois – we may be able to help you and your tenants start saving on energy costs. There are many no-cost and low-cost opportunities to save energy without making any significant changes to your space. You can take advantage of a free assessment of your property by signing up at AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/Multifamily/.
For more information on the other energy efficiency programs that customers can qualify for please visit Ameren.com/EnergyEfficiency.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. Our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.
