10 things to start doing today

  1. Unplug your second refrigerator or freezer. 
    Many families keep a second fridge to hold extra drinks or to use in the basement during parties. Most of these refrigerators are at least 10 years old and use a lot of energy. If you have a second fridge, retire it - or plug it in only when you really need it. Bonus: Alliant Energy electric customers can have their old working refrigerators picked up and recycled for free. Learn more
  2. Wash your laundry in cold water.
    Did you know that most of the energy consumed doing laundry is used to heat the water? That’s a lot of heat (and money) washed down the drain. Save by washing laundry with cold water. Look for detergents specifically formulated for cold water. Your clothes will still get as clean as before, for a lower price. 
  3. Replace your home's five most frequently used bulbs with LEDs.
    By replacing your five most frequently used bulbs with LEDs, you could save as much as $75 a year! LEDs are more expensive upfront, but you’ll likely recoup the cost in less than a year because of the energy savings. Make the switch today! 
  4. Use your microwave instead of a conventional oven.
    When reheating food or cooking smaller dishes, use your microwave. You can save up to 50% of your energy usage by using a microwave instead of a conventional electric oven. It’s an easy way to save energy and cooks your food much faster.
  5. Use ceiling fans, but only when you are in the room.
    Ceiling fans help you feel cooler during the summer months. They move the air around you, speeding up the evaporation of moisture on your skin so that you feel cooler. Ceiling fans cool the people in the room – not the air – so be sure to turn them off when you leave the room.
  6. Unplug chargers when not in use.
    Many chargers draw a small amount of electricity even when the device they charge is not plugged in or after the device is fully charged. That adds up over time. Remember to look for chargers all over your home, including those for computers, phones, power tools, shavers, electric toothbrushes and other battery-powered devices.
  7. Set your thermostat up in summer.
    Air conditioners use a lot of power, so every degree warmer you can tolerate in your house will save you energy and money. On average, for every degree you turn up your thermostat, you save about 3% on your energy bills. Alliant Energy offers rebates up to $100 on learning thermostats. 
  8. Set your thermostat down in winter.
    Two little degrees – that's all it takes to cut your winter heating bill. Throw on an extra layer of clothing, turn down the thermostat and save! Alliant Energy offers rebates up to $100 on learning thermostats. 
  9. Save on hot water use.
    A few small changes can easily save you 5% on your hot water use. Start in the morning by shortening your showers by a minute or two, and don't let the hot water run when you shave or brush your teeth. When doing laundry, wash your clothes in cold water. In the kitchen, run the water only when rinsing the dishes.
  10. Turn down the thermostat on your water heater.
    The temperature on your water heater may be set higher than necessary. Some manufacturers preset water heaters to 140 degrees. Lowering the temperature by 10 degrees can save you up to 5% on your water heating costs. Just make sure to keep the temperature at 120 degrees or higher to protect against bacteria.

Savings data source: U.S. Department of Energy

PowerHouse TV

Hosts Pete Seyfer and Megan Turner demonstrate easy do-it-yourself energy improvements, interview local experts and tour energy-smart homes throughout the Midwest.

女人自熨出白浆频在线播放 PowerHouse includes:

  • A half-hour weekly television series
  • Follow us on , and !

How much can you save?


Install LED light bulbs女人自熨出白浆频在线播放 in five of your most-used lighting fixtures.

$75 in savings
per year*

Install an advanced learning thermostat and lower your energy bill by 8-12%.

$130 in savings
per year*

Install weatherstripping and caulk女人自熨出白浆频在线播放 around your window and door frames.

$150 in savings
per year*

Recycle女人自熨出白浆频在线播放 your second refrigerator, freezer or room air conditioner.

$115 in savings
per year*

Wash your clothes in cold water instead of hot water.

$100 in savings
per year*

Set your thermostat back 10 degrees from your normal setting for 8 hours.

$83 in savings
per year*

per year*女人自熨出白浆频在线播放

Tune up your air conditioner in early spring and your furnace女人自熨出白浆频在线播放 in early fall.

$61 in savings
per year*

* actual savings may vary.
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