<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2wLR7N_0viIe4DP00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2wLR7N_0viIe4DP00" width="1320" height="743" >CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — It's officially fall here in eastern Iowa which means the heat will need to come back on at your home soon. However, there are some things you can do at home to help save utility costs.Alliant Energy officials are sharing energy saving tips to help homeowners spend less on their power bill during the colder months.Megan Turner, Co-Host of the Alliant Energy Powerhouse Show, said one of the best ways to cut down costs is to install gaskets around any power outlets or switches.<blockquote>"Now this product you can find at any home store and it only costs you a couple dollars for I would say 20, something like that," said Turner. "These are gaskets, that fit in your exterior outlets and light switches. You want to fill those gaps because, you'd be surprised again at how much air can come through there."</blockquote>There are some other things you can do at home to help cut down on those utility costs:<ul><li>Check to make sure your furnace is functioning properly, have it checked once every year</li><li>Do a monthly check of your airlifters, replace them as needed</li><li>Open up your curtains and allow the sunlight to come in and heat your home</li><li>Set back your thermostat a couple of degrees when you go to bed or leave for work</li></ul>If you live in an older home, you can weatherize it by sealing up any cracks or openings that you find. Just take your hand around any windows or doorways on a windy day and feel for any drafts.You can also Caulk over any gaps where the wall meets the trim to help prevent outside air from coming into the home.This comes after Alliant Energy announced plans to increase gas and utility rates. Those rate increases will start in November.You can read more about Alliant Energy and their power saving tips by clicking here.</div></body>

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Alliant Energy officials share energy saving tips with homeowners in eastern Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — It's officially fall here in eastern Iowa which means the heat will need to come back on at your home soon. However, there are some things you can do at home to help save utility costs. Alliant Energy officials are sharing energy saving tips to...