Page 14 Prepared by the News-Democrat Advertising Department Sunday, February 21, 2016 Ameren Offers Programs, Incentives To Help Residential Customers Making Homes More Energy Efficient By Rebekah Hoffmann Contributing Writer Would you like to cut your utility bill costs while keeping the temperature of your home comfortable throughout the year? Are you wondering what to do with that old refrigerator that still runs but is way past its prime? Ameren can help residential customers with these and other energy-related concerns through its Act On Energy Programs. These programs can provide detailed recommendations specifically tailored to your home. Some of the programs actually include financial incentives to customers who opt to participate. Residential customers can learn more about Ameren’s programs and how they can take advantage of the available assistance by visiting Ameren’s booth at the Home Show, according to Ameren energy efficiency advisor Agnes Mrozowski. Two of the Ameren’s most popular programs for residential customers are the Home Energy Audit and Refrigerator Recycling. Home Energy Audit With the Home Energy Audit, well-trained personnel will complete a thorough inspection of your home to assess where it is at in terms of energy efficiency, she explained. They look for common problems like drafts, inconsistent temperatures and heating and cooling issues that can result in wasted energy and higher utility bills. Once the assessment has been completed, the Home Energy Auditor will make recommendations on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency. These recommendations will also include the names of area contractors who are registered the program and well versed on program requirements in order for customers to be eligible for available incentives that can reduce their out-of-pocket costs to implement energy-saving changes. Customers who have taken advantage of the Home Energy Audit and followed recommendations have reported an average of 20 percent or more savings on energy bills as well as greater comfort in their homes and an increase in their homes’ longterm value. Refrigerator Recycling For anyone with a working refrigerator or freezer from the 1970s, 1980s or 1990s, Ameren’s refrigerator recycling program is a win-win-win, Mrozowski stressed. Ameren will provide a $50 rebate to customers turning in refrigerators or freezers meeting program guidelines, and customers don’t even have to do any heavy lifting since Ameren provides free pickup and haul away service on these appliances. Customers can also expect to see ongoing utility savings when they replace their old refrigerators with new ones since newer models are much more energy efficient, she pointed out. This program does not have income qualifications. However, to qualify for the rebate, the appliances must have been originally manufactured within the listed time frame and need to still be in working order. Ameren’s recycling facility takes these old appliances and gives them new life by reclaiming metal, glass and plastic parts from them. These are then recycled into new products. Other programs Ameren also has other programs available to residential customers. In addition to visiting Ameren’s booth at this year’s Home Show, those interested can go online to www.actonenergy.com.
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