PowerHouse Tip of the Month
November Tip of the Month: Install a smart thermostatÂ
Cold weather is here. Improve your home’s comfort by installing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats offer numerous benefits, including:
- Personalized comfort. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and preferences to ensure your home is always the perfect temperature when you need it.
- Energy savings. By optimizing your heating and cooling efficiency, smart thermostats can significantly reduce your energy use. An ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat saves the average household about 8% on heating costs.
- Remote control. You can adjust your thermostat from anywhere with your phone or other smart device, so your home is always cozy when you arrive.
- Weather adaptation. Some smart thermostats adjust based on local weather forecasts to keep your home at an optimal temperature regardless of sudden weather changes.
Alliant Energy customers in Iowa can find great deals at the Alliant Energy® Marketplace.
Those in Wisconsin can find similar deals at the Focus on Energy Marketplace.
Discover how smart thermostats can make managing home comfort easier with Pete and Megan.
October Tip of the Month: Change your furnace filter
It's time to get your home ready for colder months. One simple, effective step is to change your furnace filter monthly. This small task can significantly improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
A clean furnace filter helps your heating system work efficiently, improves indoor air quality and airflow, and reduces strain on your furnace. This helps extend the life of your system and reduces energy costs.
Don’t stop there. Here are more ways to prepare your home for winter:
- Take a free online home energy assessment. This is a great start to identify areas where you can save energy and improve comfort. Alliant Energy customers can get started here.
- Get a furnace tuneup. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and improve efficiency.
- Seal leaks and gaps. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows and doors to keep cold air out.
- Use draft stoppers. Place them at the bottoms of doors to prevent drafts entering your home.
September Tip of the Month: Clean your air ductsÂ
Clean air ducts are essential to maintain a healthy and comfortable home, especially during seasonal changes. Regular air duct cleaning can greatly improve the air quality in your home and keep dust out of your heating system. When you clean your air ducts, you:
- Prolong the life of your heating and cooling system. Clean ducts reduce dust that can cause strain on the system, leading to fewer repairs and a longer lifespan.
- Lower energy expenses. Improved airflow efficiency means your heating and cooling system uses less energy.
- Minimize the accumulation of dust. Cleaner ducts mean fewer allergens and pollutants circulate in your home.
Routine maintenance can also help identify potential problems early to prevent costly repairs down the line.
Get tips to keep your air ducts clean and improve home air quality from Pete and Megan.
August Tip of the Month: Insulate your garage door
Uninsulated garage doors do little to protect you from cold, heat or noise. It’s simple to fix that with a garage door insulation kit. Kits are inexpensive and easy to install. The result is a more energy-efficient garage where you can spend time and pursue hobbies in comfort.
If your garage is attached to your home, it’s your first line of defense against heat and cold. Insulating your garage door can help keep indoor temperatures about 20 degrees lower in summer and 10 to 12 degrees higher in winter.
Garage door insulation material comes in several varieties:
- Radiant barrier is made of aluminum and works by blocking heat. According to Energy.gov, radiant barrier insulation is more effective in hot climates than cool.
- Fiberglass has a high R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) but can be messy to work with. It’s used in attics and walls throughout homes in addition to garage doors.
- Foam comes in two types. Spray foam is inexpensive and easy to work with but is not the best option for garage doors. Rigid foam is light, user friendly and affordable, a popular choice for DIY home kits.
- Cellulose consists of organic materials like cotton, wood and recycled paper products. It’s treated for fire resistance.
An insulation kit will include instructions, panels and fasteners. It might also contain items like squeegees or razor knives. Read the package before you buy to be sure it will work for the type and size of garage door you have.
Remember the rubber sweep on the bottom of the garage door needs to be in good condition too. Replace it if necessary. This also helps keep your space temperature controlled and your energy costs low.
Learn more about energy efficiency in the garage with Pete and Megan.