Is your heating bill high? Unless your wife's a committed dimmer, there are many ways you can save money on heat and utility bills this winter. The Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) and Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN) have combined to offer Energy Bucks programs to help low-income families stay warm this winter. The aid includes fuel assistance, utility discounts, and help making your home more energy efficient. It's a smart combination of effort. The program doesn't just help heat inefficient homes, it helps make people's homes better able to retain the heat that is produced.
Income is the main qualifier for Energy Bucks, so if you make below a certain amount, you're eligible for the program—even if you're employed. Both renters and homeowners can take part. Considering the state of the economy, there might be more folks than ever benefiting from the program this year. Apply through your local community assistance program.
After the jump, 10 revolutionary energy-saving tips from Energy Bucks.
10 Ways to Improve Your Energy Efficiency
Maintaining an efficient heating system is an important step to conserving energy. Have your heating system serviced at least once every two years.
For every one degree Fahrenheit you set your thermostat back, you can save 1-3% on your annual heating costs.
Caulk, seal and weather-strip all seams, doorframes and openings to the outside to reduce air leaks. The biggest holes are most often found in the attic and the basement.
Shut off heat to unused rooms and close the fireplace damper to seal air leaks.
Make sure your attic, outer walls, ceilings and floors are all insulated to prevent heat escaping to the outdoors.
Clean or replace filters on furnaces as directed by the manufacturer.
Keep draperies and shades on windows that face south open during the day to let sunlight in. Close them at night to keep out the chill.
Take showers instead of baths. Showers use 40% percent less hot water, but make sure you keep them short. A shower costs about 3 cents per minute if you have an electric water heater.
Use toaster ovens and microwaves as much as possible. They use less than half the energy that ovens use.
Turn off VCRs, stereos and TVs when not is use. Unplug them when you are away from home for any length of time.
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