Pete Seyfer and Megan Turner, hosts of Alliant Energy's PowerHouse

Welcome to PowerHouse!

Alliant Energy's PowerHouse is an award-winning educational program designed to help you improve the energy efficiency, safety and comfort of your home.
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PowerHouse Challenge

Every month you can take part in an energy-efficient home improvement challenge. These challenges include seasonal topics to help you save on your energy bill all year long.

October challenge: Check on your furnace. 

From critters to catastrophes, the causes of furnace sounds this time of year can be scary to think about. But don’t let spooky noises give you the chills! Here are four tips to help you stay warm this winter.

  • Schedule a furnace tuneup now before the cold sets in.
  • Change your furnace filter regularly, preferably once a month. Clean air filters allow the furnace to function properly; dirty filters may shorten its life, cause it to work harder and cost you more.
  • Address warning signs such as noises or inadequate heat early to avoid bigger problems later.
  • Call a professional if simple steps don’t resolve the issue.

Regular preventative maintenance can keep scary sounds at bay, as well as help avoid higher repair costs down the road. Get ready for winter now by checking on your furnace.

Take the challenge to learn about furnace filters from Pete and Megan.

Furnace inspection worker

September challenge: Prepare for back-to-school season.

It's September, time for kids to refocus on school. It's also a great time to refocus the whole family on energy-saving habits. The key is to make small changes. The payoff is a lower bill and less stress on the electric grid.

Use these tips to save energy at home this school year:

  • Unplug unused devices. Many devices still consume power when plugged in but not in use. It’s called phantom energy, and it may account for up to 10% of your annual usage. An advanced power strip can detect when a device is not in use and automatically cut power to it.
  • Adjust your thermostat. Since there will be fewer people in the house during the day, you won’t need to keep your home as cool. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher to reduce energy waste. You may consider installing a smart thermostat. They can learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly.
  • Swap out your bulbs. With the kids away, you’ll use fewer lights on a regular basis. You can save even more by swapping incandescent bulbs for LEDs. LEDs last longer and use much less energy.
  • Get the kids involved in after-school activities. When the kids are out of the house, they’re less likely to spend excessive time on electronic devices. Encourage outdoor activities or after-school groups to keep them busy and entertained.

With a few small changes you’ll be well on your way to an energy-efficient school year!

Learn more about how advanced power strips can help manage phantom energy usage from Pete and Megan.

three kids wearing backpacks walking

Popular topics

101 easy ways to save energy

Mom and son in laundry room

Find quick, simple things you can do around the home to reduce your energy consumption.

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Power surges — cause and effect

Overloaded electric outlet

Lightning strikes may trigger a power surge, but most are caused by conditions within your home.

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Portable generators and space heaters

portable generator

Portable heaters and generators are convenient, but use them with extreme caution.

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Installing a heating and cooling system

Two workers installing a new A/C unit outdoors

One of the biggest purchases a homeowner can make is to install a new furnace and air conditioner. Learn what you need to know when faced with this big decision.

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Appliances and electronics

Kitchen with new appliances

Learn how to choose and make the most of your household appliances and electronics.

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Windows and doors

Man holding up a double hung window

Learn how to find the most energy-efficient models, or tighten up the ones you have.

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Show times and more

Pete and Megan, hosts of PowerHouse

Meet our hosts and find out when PowerHouse airs in your area.

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Upcoming show

October 7, 2023

segment 1
Keep an older home in shape

segment 2
Electrical/lead paint

segment 3
Preserve/replace windows

segment 4
re-siding older homes