Q. Now that the weather is getting colder, I have been worrying about my heating bill. I am a 78-year-old widow on a fixed income, and I have always been careful about keeping the heat low, but I don’t know if that will be enough this year. Do you have any tips for saving money on heating?
A. Keeping up with heating costs can feel like a challenge, but there are programs and simple steps that can help you stay comfortable and keep your budget on track this winter. One great resource is the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP. It helps eligible households pay for part of their heating bills, and it’s completely free. To qualify, your household income must not exceed 60% of the estimated Massachusetts median income. You can learn more about eligibility and how to apply at the official MA website: www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-home-heating-and-energy-assistance.
You’re smart to keep your thermostat on the lower side. It’s one of the best ways to save energy. Here are some other tips from HEAP.
- When you’re asleep or away from home, turn the thermostat down by 7-10 degrees. Doing this for eight hours can save as much as 10% a year on your heating costs.
- Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows that leak air.
- Turn down the temperature of your hot water heater to 120° F.
- Have your oil-fired heating system serviced annually. Gas-fired heating systems should be serviced every three years.
- Clean or replace furnace filters every other month.
- Keep the fireplace flue damper closed unless a fire is burning.
- Make sure warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators are not blocked by furniture or drapes.
- During the winter heating season, close your curtains and shades at night and open them during the day.
A little planning and home maintenance can make a big difference this winter. And remember, help is available if you need it – no one should have to choose between staying warm and managing their budget.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
