Temperatures have been below freezing and with that more energy is being used to keep homes warm. This week record low temperatures have been set at nearly 30 degrees below the normal temperature for this time of year. According to Alliant Energy, due to the weather furnaces and heating equipment are working harder than usual for this time of year, and customers can expect heating bills to be more typical of December than late October.

The company encourages homeowners to install programmable thermostats so heating costs can go down while you’re gone or asleep. Also, be careful with space heaters; keep them away from other items and plug them in directly to a wall outlet. It’s also recommended that furnace filters be replaced regularly, as dirty ones can restrict airflow, lower the quality of air you breath, and increase the energy used. The Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is accepting applications at this time to help with the costs of keeping homes warm for those who meet income guidelines.