PowerHouse News - June 2010
IPL edition - Volume 14, Issue 6
Cooling: Busting Common Summer Myths Part II
We're continuing our look at air conditioning myths and facts. Keep them in mind as we head into the heat of the cooling season.
Myth #4: Turning the AC off while you're gone will just make it work harder to cool your home when you're back.
Fact: The less you use the AC, the less electricity you use. If you keep your windows closed to keep humidity out while the AC is off, a well insulated home should only rise a few degrees throughout the day while you're not home.
If you use a programmable thermostat, you can set it to a higher temperature while you're away (so it won't cycle on, or at least not as often), and set it to start cooling an hour before you get home. You'll arrive to a comfortable house and a lower energy bill. Try the thermostat calculator at powerthinkers.com to see how much you'd save by adjusting your thermostat.
Myth #5: My yard doesn't have anything to do with cooling my house.
Fact: A number of things outdoors can increase or decrease the cost of keeping it cool indoors. Check the area around your condenser. Tall grass, old leaves and other debris can restrict airflow causing it to use more electricity. Where is your condenser? If it's in a shaded spot, it will use up to 10% less energy than one that is in direct sunlight.
The shade from properly placed trees can help naturally cool your house and save between $100-$200 annually (energysavers.gov). We have more green, energy-saving, yard and landscaping tips at powerthinkers.com in the Smart Living section.
Myth #6: Geothermal systems are used to heat homes, not cool them.
Fact: A geothermal system is a loop of piping through your home and underground that circulates a liquid antifreeze solution. In summer, the solution extracts heat from your home, then the earth cools it. In winter it simply works in reverse. The system functions year-round. A geothermal system is much more efficient and cheaper to run than a traditional AC system. Geothermal systems use 30-60 percent less energy than typical HVAC systems, run quieter, and require less maintenance. And as an additional summer benefit, the system can also warm your water, using heat that's already been extracted. Learn more about geothermal systems at alliantenergygeothermal.com.
For more energy saving tips, calculators, and green living advice, visit powerthinkers.com.
What's on the Web?
Alliant Energy "gears up" for plug-in vehicles
Ten, even five years ago, an electric car capable of reaching highway speeds and driving longer distances on one charge seemed like science fiction. It's quickly turning into reality. Carmakers predict they'll have plug-in electric or electric hybrid vehicles on the lots by 2011, and priced with in range of many families. Even better, you can plug in and charge them at home.
While it's exciting, it brings up a number of questions: will you need a special outlet, what will utilities charge for "charging up", and if everyone in your neighborhood plugs in at the same time, will it cause a brownout?
Find out at alliantenergy.com/electriccars. We've created a Q&A section that explains how they work, how they charge, and how Alliant Energy is preparing for the plug-in future. Not ready for an electric car? You'll also find handy tips on extending your gas mileage and greening-up your current ride.
Recycling that pays you back
Most of us are used to getting five cents back when we recycle a beverage container. But the payoff is much bigger when you recycle the old refrigerator that's keeping those beverages cold.
When you recycle an old working refrigerator or freezer, you can claim a cash-back reward from Alliant Energy. There is no heavy lifting involved - we do all the work for you. You get free removal and disposal of the appliance plus the following cash rewards.
| Freezers | $50 Reward |
| Refrigerators | $50 Reward |
| Room Air Conditioners | $25 Reward |
The cash-back reward is nice. However the real savings come with your new, lower electric bills. Here's the breakdown.
(Source: ENERGY STAR®).
By properly organizing your main refrigerator, you can probably find room for your cold beverages. Your monthly energy savings could be all the motivation you need to do so. To find out how much your particular refrigerator is costing you each month, visit energystar.gov and search "Refrigerator Retirement Calculator".
Refrigerator retirement rule-of-thumb
So how do you know when it's time to invest in a new refrigerator and recycle your old model? ENERGY STAR says this: if your refrigerator was manufactured before 1993, you could save about $100-$200 a year by replacing it with a new model. The older the model, the more you save.
This is because refrigerator manufacturers have made big energy-efficiency improvements since 1993. In fact, refrigerators from before 1993 use more than twice the amount of energy as new ENERGY STAR qualified models. Plus, as refrigerators age, the refrigerant wears out and sometimes leaks, making the unit less efficient.
To learn more about appliance recycling and cash-back rewards on appliance purchases, visit alliantenergy.com/rewards or call 1-866-ALLIANT (1-866-255-4268). Download the convenient claim form to apply for your cash-back reward on a new ENERGY STAR qualified freezer or refrigerator.
Do you know what's buried in your yard?
Natural gas comes into homes and businesses through a network of underground pipelines that may be located on or near your property. Natural gas is a clean, efficient and convenient energy source. The pipelines used to transport natural gas have exceptionally high safety records. However, like electricity, it can be dangerous and must be respected. Using a variety of measures, Alliant Energy works to ensure our pipelines stay safe and secure, including marking and mapping our pipeline facilities.
It's likely that you work or live near natural gas pipelines. Since pipelines are buried underground, Alliant Energy and other pipeline operators, often use markers to show the approximate location - particularly in rural areas; especially at intersections, road crossings and fence lines. The markers display the following information:
Pipeline markers do not indicate the exact location or depth of the pipeline and may not be present in some areas, so it is important to call your state's One Call Center before digging. This free service will notify utilities in the area that they need to mark the location of underground lines on your property. Visit call811.com for more information.
Pipelines often run along a public street, but may also be on or near private property. If the pipeline is on or near your property, the owner of the pipeline has the right to restrict certain activities on either side of the pipeline, which is known as the right-of-way. This is to provide access to pipeline operators, in the event of an emergency or to perform maintenance.
Right-of-way locations are usually recorded with counties or local municipalities and filed on maps. If you are planning a construction project, please contact your local utility and government office. For more information on natural gas pipeline safety, call 1-800-257-3675 or visit alliantenergy.com/pipelinesafety.
Ask the expert
Find help fast with Alliant Energy online Dealer Locator
Whether you are building a new home, updating your appliances or pursuing an energy efficiency project, consult Alliant Energy's online Dealer Locator first. It's an easy way to find energy-smart contractors in your area.
Just enter your zip code and search within a 25-, 50- or 100-mile radius for professionals participating in Alliant Energy's Energy Efficiency Dealer Network program.
Scott Arnold, Trade Account Manager for Alliant Energy says, "To be eligible for the program, dealers or contractors must do business in the Alliant Energy service area and be involved in the sale of energy-efficient equipment deemed eligible for Alliant Energy's Cash-Back Rewards."
Alliant Energy also provides education courses to members of the Dealer Network to help sharpen their skills in the dynamic arena of energy efficiency.
Scott and the other Trade Account Managers meet and communicate with participating dealers on a regular basis to update them on new technology. They also make sure dealers have brochures, forms and helpful materials for their customers.
Scott says that educational support means dealers can communicate all of the benefits of energy-efficient equipment. "If you're buying a new clothes washer, one of our dealers will explain how and why you'll save on energy costs, that using less water will save money and the environment, and even why you'll spend less on detergent! They can also help you make the purchase more affordable through cash-back rewards from Alliant Energy, plus manufacturer and in-store rebates."
Want to know more about our Cash-Back Rewards? Visit us at alliantenergy.com/rewards or call 1-866 ALLIANT (1-866-255-4268).
Simplify your life with FREE online paperless billing
You've always received your bills in the mail ... it's what you're used to. You can simplify your life (and help preserve the environment) when you receive your bills via your inbox instead of your mailbox!
Instead of a paper bill in the mail, you'll receive an e-mail when your bill statement is ready to view and pay online. Just log in, review your bill, and schedule the payment date. You can even schedule future payment dates for when you're on vacation or traveling for business.
With paperless billing, you get:
Here's how to enroll:
If you are already a Your Account customer:
If you're new to Your Account:
After your enrollment is confirmed, you'll receive your first electronic bill at the end of your next full billing cycle.
Get cash back on your freezer or refrigerator purchase
$50 cash back on refrigerators
$25 cash back on freezers
Business customers please call 1-866-ALLIANT (1-866-255-4268) or click here for reward forms. Complete ALL information to avoid claim denial or processing delays. You must be an Alliant Energy electric customer to qualify.
Tell us your story
Alliant Energy is looking for Power Thinkers: People who find small ways every day to conserve energy, protect the environment and save money.
If you've had an energy audit, switched to compact fluorescent light bulbs, organized a carpool or started a backyard garden - you're a Power Thinker. We'd like to hear your story and share it with others.
If you've taken advantage of Alliant Energy's cash-back rewards or energy savings, send your story and contact information to: Powerthinkers@alliantenergy.com. Your story could be featured on the Power Thinkers Web site.
Call us
For customer service, call 1-800-ALLIANT (1-800-255-4268)
Visit us
