Cycle Your Air Conditioner
 
Cycle Your Air Conditioner

With Alliant Energy's Appliance Cycling program, you can keep your cool - and your cash!
Enroll in Appliance Cycling today
How does Appliance Cycling work?
When you sign up for the program, we'll send a contractor to install a small, radio-activated receiver on or near your outdoor central air conditioner at no cost to you.
During peak demand periods, we'll activate the radio receiver to cycle your outdoor compressor on and off. You'll stay cool even though your air conditioner is working only part-time.
Frequently asked questions about Appliance Cycling
What's in it for me?
Not only will you lower your electricity usage, Alliant Energy will pay you an incentive whenever we cycle your air conditioner.

100% option: Your air conditioner will be off up to six continuous hours; you'll receive $8 per cycling session.
75% option: Your air conditioner will be off 22.5 minutes of each half-hour, up to six hours; you'll receive $5 per cycling session.
50% option: Your air conditioner will be off 15 minutes of each half hour, up to six hours; you'll receive $2 per cycling session.
You'll receive your incentive check after the Appliance Cycling period is over at the end of September.
How do I qualify?

You must own your home, have a central air conditioner and receive retail electric service from Alliant Energy.
Participation is limited; radio receivers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two receivers per household.
Alliant Energy will cycle a maximum of two central air conditioning units per household.
How do I apply?
Just read through the Appliance Cycling FAQ below, then complete and submit the online enrollment form. Our program coordinator will contact you with more details.

Frequently asked questions about Appliance Cycling
What are peak periods?
Peak periods occur when temperatures are forecast to be 90 degrees or above and/or electric demand is expected to reach 90 percent of peak.
Peak demand times usually occur between 3-9 p.m., but can also happen at other times of day. Your air conditioner may be cycled only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cycling will not occur on weekend or holidays.
Your air conditioner will be cycled no more than six days during the four-month control period [June-September].
Is there is a special cost for the receiver?
There is no cost to you for the installation or removal of the radio receiver.
Will I notice a temperature difference in my home?
Your outdoor unit will turn on and off when we are cycling your air conditioner. However, your furnace blower will continue to operate as long as the thermostat fan switch is in the "auto" or "on" position and the thermostat calls for cooling.
Temperature and humidity levels may increase slightly, but not enough to make an uncomfortable difference.
What do the lights on the cycling switch mean?
You may see red and green indicator lights through the small glass window on the front cover of the cycling switch:

If you see no indicator lights, your air conditioner switch is operating normally.
A green light means your unit has not yet been programmed. The green light may also blink if the switch is bypassed, tampered with or removed from the cooling unit. Your air conditioner will continue to operate normally if the green light is blinking.
A red light means the switch has received a radio signal to control your air conditioner. The red light will be on during times when we are cycling and your air conditioner is in the "off" period until the end of the cycle.
How much energy does the cycling switch use?
Two watts per hour, or approximately $1.75 per year.
What happens if I move?
The cycling switch is the property of Alliant Energy and remains installed on the property. Please let us know when you will be moving and if you want a switch installed at your new home.
You must contact our Customer Service Center at 1-800-ALLIANT and be placed on the priority list for new switches in the order your request was received.
Do I need to sign up each year?
No - if you were in the program last year, you do not need to sign up again. You will automatically receive the savings again this summer.
How do I apply?
Just complete and submit our online enrollment form or call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-ALLIANT. Our program coordinator will contact you within one week.
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This program is effective January 1, 2004, and is subject to periodic review and modification by Alliant Energy. Please check with an Alliant Energy representative regarding program expiration date.
Alliant Energy does not guarantee that installation of high-efficiency equipment will result in reduced usage or demand, or in cost savings.
Alliant Energy makes no warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to any equipment purchased and/or installed, including, but not limited to, any warranty of merchantability or fitness for purpose. In no event shall Alliant Energy be liable for any incidental or consequential damage.