Senior Scene: From the HCSCC
By
Suzanne Hopkins-
Think efficiency to prepare for cold weather
Though we’ve had a warmer-than-usual fall, cooler weather is on the way, and it’s time to think about the cost of keeping warm. As we age, we are more susceptible to cold. There are many things you can do to maintain a level of safety and comfort while keeping costs down.
Simple and inexpensive home improvements can shave hundreds of dollars off your fall and winter heating bills: Listen for doors or windows that “whistle” on windy days and seal them, especially in the rooms where you spend the most time.
Have your furnace inspected and serviced once during the season. Check the filter every month and change it if dirty.
Consider installing a programmable thermostat that can automatically reduce the temperature at night and when you are away from home. Insulate your water heater tank, the first six feet of the hot water supply line and hot water pipes or heating ducts in unheated areas such as crawlspaces and attics. Save water, fuel, and money by replacing leaking hot water faucets and adding low-flow devices. Insulate attics, outside walls and floors over crawlspaces. Weatherization and conservation measures don’t need to break your bank. New habits will help reduce energy consumption and keep heating bills down. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable for your family (about 68 degrees). It’s cheaper to add clothes than degrees.
Despite best efforts to curb heating costs, you still may find it difficult to pay ever-increasing utility bills. There is help for those who need it. The Ohio Department of Development's Home Energy Assistance Program gives low-income Ohioans assistance to pay heating bills. Emergency HEAP prevents utilities from being disconnected, or restores them if they have. Applications are available from Community Action. Call them at 393-3458, or stop in at the office,[[In-content Ad]]
Though we’ve had a warmer-than-usual fall, cooler weather is on the way, and it’s time to think about the cost of keeping warm. As we age, we are more susceptible to cold. There are many things you can do to maintain a level of safety and comfort while keeping costs down.
Simple and inexpensive home improvements can shave hundreds of dollars off your fall and winter heating bills: Listen for doors or windows that “whistle” on windy days and seal them, especially in the rooms where you spend the most time.
Have your furnace inspected and serviced once during the season. Check the filter every month and change it if dirty.
Consider installing a programmable thermostat that can automatically reduce the temperature at night and when you are away from home. Insulate your water heater tank, the first six feet of the hot water supply line and hot water pipes or heating ducts in unheated areas such as crawlspaces and attics. Save water, fuel, and money by replacing leaking hot water faucets and adding low-flow devices. Insulate attics, outside walls and floors over crawlspaces. Weatherization and conservation measures don’t need to break your bank. New habits will help reduce energy consumption and keep heating bills down. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable for your family (about 68 degrees). It’s cheaper to add clothes than degrees.
Despite best efforts to curb heating costs, you still may find it difficult to pay ever-increasing utility bills. There is help for those who need it. The Ohio Department of Development's Home Energy Assistance Program gives low-income Ohioans assistance to pay heating bills. Emergency HEAP prevents utilities from being disconnected, or restores them if they have. Applications are available from Community Action. Call them at 393-3458, or stop in at the office,[[In-content Ad]]