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Tips to stay warm; LIHEAP help available

January 5, 2010

Hopefully you’re reading this from an area of the country that is at least a little on the warm side.  However, if you’re in

Pittsburgh – or anywhere along the East Coast – chances are it’s really, really cold outside.

The frigid temperatures make it very difficult to keep heating costs low while you keep your home a comfortable temperature.

There are still some easy steps you can take to keep the warm air in your home and the cold air out.  Here are some tips:

·        If a playing card fits in the crevice of an outside door or window, you need to caulk or weather strip around the door or window to stop air leaks.

·        Use draft guards at the bottom of outside doors, and close radiators in rooms you don’t use.

·        Lower your thermostat at night or when no one is home.

·        If the cost of installing storm windows is too much, make your own storm windows by stretching 6-mil plastic sheets as tightly as you can over the window.

·        Insulate attic space using loose fill or insulation rolls. High-efficiency building code standards recommend “R” values of 30 in ceilings, 16 in walls and 19 over crawl spaces. The “R” value is a measure of how well insulation traps heat.

·        Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

·        Run your garbage disposal with cold water.

·        Cook several dishes in the oven at one time, and prepare double recipes that you can freeze for future use and reheat in the microwave.

 

If you find that you cannot stay warm and pay your gas bill, there is also energy assistance for those who meet the required income guidelines, such as LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program).

If you are struggling to pay your heating bills, don’t wait to call for help. You can apply for LIHEAP assistance online at www.compass.state.pa.us or by calling (866) 857-7095 or for the hearing impaired (800) 451-5886. You can also visit your local county assistance office for an application.

Here’s what you need to apply:

·        Names of people in your household

·        Dates of birth for all household members

·        Social Security Numbers for all household members

·        Proof of income for members of your household

·        A recent heating bill

Written by Lauralynn Schueckler · Filed Under Misc., News 

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