Appliance Cycling

Appliance Cycling is no longer accepting enrollments

We are no longer accepting enrollment in the Appliance Cycling program. If you are already on the Appliance Cycling program, we will continue to provide maintenance to your air conditioner switch and will provide you with credits. However, if you are interested in a summer residential demand response program where you can earn rewards, check out our Alliant Energy^(R) Smart Hours program. It's similar to the Appliance Cycling program, only it uses your smart thermostat instead of your air conditioner.

If you’re enrolled in Appliance Cycling, you’ll be automatically removed from Appliance Cycling if you enroll in Smart Hours.

Get Smart Hours details

Are you already on Appliance Cycling?
Get the Appliance Cycling basics

How does Appliance Cycling work?

When you signed up for the program, we sent a contractor to install a small, radio-activated control switch on or near your outdoor central air conditioner at no cost to you.

If the demand for electricity escalates to a critical point, a "system emergency" or "peak alert" is announced, and we'll turn on the radio signal that activates the switch on your air conditioner. The receiver will be activated to cycle the outdoor cooling unit according to the program option you elected.

The switch will cycle your air conditioner while the furnace fan continues to circulate the cooler, drier air already in your home. You'll stay cool and comfortable. Your electric bill stays low and the environment can breathe a little easier.

The program runs from May to September, but dates vary in each state. Cycling events typically occur Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and never on weekends or holidays.

How did I qualify?

This program is available to all Iowa residential Alliant Energy electric customers that meet the following criteria:

You must own your home, have a central air conditioner and receive retail electric service from Alliant Energy.
Installation is only allowed at your primary residence.
Participation is limited. Control receivers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Customers currently participating in the Alliant Energy Smart Hours thermostat program are not eligible to enroll in Appliance Cycling.

Questions?

Contact 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268).

What are peak periods?

Peak periods occur when temperatures are forecasted to be 90 degrees or above and/or electric demand is expected to reach 90% of peak. Peak demand times usually occur between 1 and 7 p.m., but they may also happen at other times of the day.

Will I notice a temperature difference?

Your outdoor unit will turn on and off when your air conditioner is cycling. However, your furnace fan 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 a noticeable difference.

What do the lights on the cycling switch mean?

A red light indicates the switch has received a signal to cycle. Also, if power to the switch has been interrupted – such as a breaker being shut off and turned back on – the red light will come on and go back off within five minutes. This is a safety precaution that all the switches have.

A green light (solid or blinking) should be on all the time and is a communication light. This light will not affect the air conditioner’s ability to run or cool.

How long will my appliances be off?

Central air conditioners will be cycled every 15 minutes on and off in Iowa. Cycling will take place no longer than six hours in one day. Cycling typically occurs 1 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and never on weekends or holidays. Your furnace fan; however, will continue to operate as long as the thermostat fan switch is in the “auto” or “on” position and the thermostat is calling for cooling.

Water heaters are shut off during the entire control period, not to exceed six hours per day.

What happens if I move?

The cycling switch is the property of Alliant Energy and remains installed on the premises. Please let us know when you will be moving. If you would like a switch installed at your new home, please contact our Customer Service Center at 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) to request a new switch.

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Appliance Cycling