Saving Money While Saving the Planet Sierra Club Members Share Stories of Energy Efficiency

Two Stories
 
By Laura Neuman-Howe (Sierra Club Member since 1986)
 
We had a relatively old AC unit that had needed servicing repeatedly for several seasons. There were times when we couldn’t keep the house cool. We saw buying a new AC and furnace as a long term investment that would pay off in terms of lower costs with noticeably improved comfort.
 
Our gas and electricity bills have been lower but beyond that, the comfort levels in our home are much better—this is particularly important in our household since my husband, Jeff, works from home so the house has to stay comfortable at all times.
 
What would I tell others considering this process? It was worth it and the rebates really helped.
 
 
By Michael Honigfort (Sierra Club Member since 1989)
 
My air conditioner was about 20 years old and needed to be replaced so last year I invested in a new AC and programmable thermostat. I was interested in energy efficiency and the $250 Ameren rebate was an incentive to not waste anymore time.
 
I love my new system. My new air conditioning is better, nicer and more reliable. My old AC had an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 8.5 and my new system is a 14.5 so I am saving 30-50%-- I have already saved a few hundred dollars this year. My thermostat is great because I can control my home’s temperature through an app on my phone. Now I can have more control over how much energy I use and can still keep the house comfortable.
 
What would I tell others considering this process? The rebate system is fast and easy. Do it!
 
 
If you are interested in learning more about rebates in your area, visit Kansas City Power and Light’s website http://www.kcpl.com/save-energy-and-money or Ameren’s website https://www.ameren.com/missouri/uefficiency/ for more information.