May 2005

Alliant Energy Center

of Dane County, WI

Dear University of Wisconsin-Madison student:

Do you feel that your heat and electricity bill is too high in the winter?

Do you disagree when your roommates turn the air conditioning on when it reaches 70 degrees, but you aren’t aware of the alternatives?

Do you ever wonder if there are other options you could take to conserve energy and your precious spending money?

Alliant Energy Center is informing students of the benefits of winterizing their homes or apartments and using alternatives to air conditioning.  It is time to leave the world of high electricity bills and save energy by following a few small procedures that will save large amounts of energy and money. 

Each year as winter approaches, students need to remember to have their home or apartment winterized.  One of the most important advantages to winterizing your home is reducing your heating bills.  According to the Dept. of Energy, the cost to heat an average home is approximately $1,400, but winterizing your home can save you close to half of that. 

For college students it takes time and effort to winterize because many live in apartment buildings.  The first step is to contact your property management and ask them about winterizing for the up-coming season. 

There are inspections you can do yourself to prepare your house for the winter season.  It is important to seal up all cracks on the exterior and interior of your house, including windows.  By placing a layer of plastic around the interior of your windows, the amount of cold air let into your home will dramatically decrease.  Inside your home or apartment, make sure that your building’s hot water heaters are free of leaks.  Lastly, make sure your landlord has a professional inspect the heating system each year to make sure it is working properly. 

It is also important to conserve energy in the summer by using alternatives to air conditioning.  In addition to being noisy, air conditioning dramatically increases your electricity bill.  As a substitute on those cooler days you can save 60 percent or more energy by using fans in each room, preferably ceiling fans.  At night open windows and use window fans to circulate the cool air throughout your house. 

It is important to remember to only use air conditioning when the temperature is above 78 degrees Fahrenheit.  As the summer temperature rises, make sure you set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature and leave it there.  Even small steps like closing windows and curtains during the day and turning off unnecessary lights can decrease the amount of heat in your house.  Also, avoid using appliances such as an oven on a hot day.  It will only end up heating your home. 

If you would like more information on winterizing your home or apartment or alternatives to air conditioning, call the Alliant Energy Center of Dane County at 608-267-3976.  More in-depth information will be sent directly to your house with additional contact information to answer any further questions. 

Best regards,

Amanda Becker

Media Director at Alliant Energy Center of Dane County