Are you prepared for high heating costs this winter?
Get started now!
- Call your fuel provider to get on a budget plan
- Apply early for fuel assistance
- Schedule an annual tune-up for your heat pump, furnace or boiler. (Your utility company may provide this service.)
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Check:
- Your attic, attic stairway, attached garage walls and basement for proper insulation.
- Close the doors to rooms that you don’t use or that don't require heat.
- For holes around caulking, weather-stripping, plumbing and heating pipes. Seal any drafts.
- Your flues (in fireplaces) and seal them if they are not in use.
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Install:
- Drapes or some other covering on windows.
- A programmable thermostat that will automatically lower nighttime temperatures. And, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and wear warm clothing.
- Ceiling fans. The air circulation promotes heating efficiency in the winter.
- An insulating jacket for your hot water heater.
- Clean filters on forced-air furnaces.
Make certain any alternative heat sources (wood pellet stoves, wood burning stoves, etc) are installed by a professional.
Energy Resources:
Community Action www.communityaction.us
Weatherization: (866) 537-7267
Fuel assistance: (800) 370-0940
First Call for Help: (800) 339-7779
Citizen’s Energy Oil Heat Program www.citizensenergy.com
Assistance with debt reduction: (877) JOE-4OIL
Western Massachusetts Electric: NUStart Program www.wmeco.com
Works with families to reduce debt: (800) 286-5844
Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund www.magoodneighbor.org
For temporary financial crisis: (800) 262-1320