Monthly Archives: January 2016

Be ready for winter!

Follow these simple tips below:Snow-Cold-Thermometer

  • Seal the leaks and close the gaps. Caulk, seal and weatherstrip doors and windows.
  • Keep it shut. Traditional fireplaces are an energy loser because they pull heated air out of the house and release it up the chimney. When not in use, keep the damper closed. Make sure there are no smoldering embers before closing the damper.
  • Turn fans off. Kitchen and bath-ventilating fans can blow out a house-full of heated air if left on. Turn them off after they’ve done their job.
  • Replace your furnace filters regularly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Changing or cleaning your filter once a month helps your bill and the quality of air you breathe.
  • Schedule a furnace tune-up. Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use.
  • Install a programmable thermostat. Or program the one you already have. Set it so your heating costs will go down when you are away or asleep. For every degree you lower your heat in the 60 to 70 degree range, you’ll save up to 5% on heating costs.

Get a home energy assessment

Program-certified contractors can identify how much energy your home uses and recommend improvements that will help save money and increase comfort. Rebates may be available for insulation and air sealing projects.

Learn more about what’s available in your state.

Apply for assistance

More customers with low-to-moderate household incomes will be eligible to receive heating assistance this year, thanks to a change in federal guidelines.

Funding from the Energy Assistance program can help pay heating bills or weatherize your home.

 

To find out if you are eligible:

  • In Iowa: Call 1-866-674-6327 or visit iowa.gov
  • In Wisconsin: Call 1-866-432-8947 or visit wi.gov

We encourage customers to apply now because funds for this heating season are limited.

Eligibility for Energy Assistance is not affected by utility account or home ownership status.