We are in the height of summer now, and, as everyone knows, these high CoMo temps can start to send both your thermostat and your power bill skyrocketing. To cut down on high energy costs while cooling down, try some of these energy-saving tips:
Homeowners
1. Schedule a free home energy assessment
- Certified specialists from Columbia Utilities spend about an hour evaluating insulation, HVAC and water use.
- The assessment pinpoints low-cost fixes—caulk gaps, add weather‑stripping, swap filters—that pay back by the first heatwave.
- Call to action: Visit the Energy Assessment page or call 573‑441‑5528/email efficiency@como.gov to book.
2. Replace that aging A/C or furnace with a high‑efficiency heat pump
- Systems older than ten years qualify for $800–$1,200 rebates when you install a SEER2 15.2 or greater unit.
- Switching to a heat pump earns users an electrification rebate and an additional discounted rate from October-May.
- Call to action: Access the rebates and learn more on the residential program page or call 573‑441‑5528/email efficiency@como.gov with questions.
3. Let a smart thermostat run the schedule
- Columbia Utilities will send you UP TO $50 back when you install any ENERGY STAR‑certified smart thermostat.
- Program 78 °F when you’re home and bump it up when you’re away—every degree saves roughly 3 % on cooling.
- Call to action: Download the “Smart Thermostat Rebate” form from this page and submit it within six months of purchase of a qualified thermostat.
Renters
1. Use fans and window coverings to your advantage
- Run ceiling or box fans to make air feel 4 °F cooler and raise the thermostat accordingly. Run ceiling fans counterclockwise for a cooling downdraft.
- Close blinds on west‑facing windows by 2 p.m.; open them overnight to let cooler air in.
- Set up your A/C unit to cycle efficiently—don’t let it run all day if you’re out.
- Call to action: Browse the city’s Energy Efficiency Tips page for more low-cost ideas.
2. Claim your free energy check‑up, too
- Renters can request the same no‑cost assessment as homeowners; the specialist will flag fixes your landlord should handle.
- Use the findings to negotiate draft‑proofing or a quick HVAC filter swap before peak summer.
- Call to action: Visit the Energy Assessment page or call 573‑441‑5528/email efficiency@como.gov to book.
3. Cut energy waste at the source
- Plug electronics into a power strip and turn it off to stop “phantom” power drain.
- Unplug devices you don’t use daily—like printers, chargers, or toasters.
- Use energy-efficient bulbs and keep lights off in rooms you’re not using.
- Call to action: Browse the city’s Energy Efficiency Tips page for more low-cost ideas.
Thanks for reading! Ready to dive deeper? Visit our Energy page or check out Columbia Power Partners’ residential programs to explore the full library of rebates, tools, and tips for making your home more energy-efficient this summer.