Staying Warm in Winter While on a Budget

With temperatures headed downward, it is important to think about strategies for keeping your home warm and comfortable. But keeping up with escalating energy costs can be a challenge for retirees and others on a tight budget.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

There is work that you can do in the runup to winter, including to seal air leaks in your home using weather strip and insulate where you can to prevent warm air from leaking out of the house. Replace your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier to the cold outside air. Thick window coverings such as curtains can also be very helpful. Use a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature of your home when you are asleep or away. To maximize savings, program the thermostat to lower the heat by 8 degrees Fahrenheit or more when away and asleep.

Dirt and neglect are the number one causes of heating system failure, so be sure to schedule a fall checkup of your heating equipment with a licensed contractor to make sure your system is operating at peak performance. Also, check your system’s air filter every month and when it is dirty, change it. At a minimum change it every three months. Also, investing in “Energy Star” products, including major appliances, lighting, and home electronics, can help save you money long-term. The “Energy Star” program is run by the U.S. EPA to, among other things, identify and promote energy-efficient products.

Help with Paying the Bills

If you need help paying your bills, there are lots of options to consider, including the following: 

• For retirees and their caregivers, many states, counties, and cities provide programs that assist seniors with winter heating costs. Your local Area Agency on Aging is a good source of information about available community programs and eligibility requirements. To identify the Area Agency on Aging serving your community, contact the Eldercare Locator at 800.677.1116 or www.eldercare.gov.

• A federally funded program titled “Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program” (LIHEAP) helps eligible households and renters meet home heating needs. The name of this program and eligibility requirements may vary across states. In California, for example, to qualify for the program you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below 60 percent of the State Median Income. And a person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or certain needs-tested Veterans, benefits may be automatically eligible. Find more information on this program here.

• The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces the heating and cooling costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes, reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy-efficient, and ensuring their health and safety. WAP assistance is free and preference is given to people over age 60 and households with children or people with disabilities. To qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of California who needs financial assistance for home energy costs. You must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below 60 percent of the State Median Income. You must apply to determine eligibility, and you can learn more about this program here. 

• California’s Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) offers discount programs to help eligible customers pay their electric bills. These include the California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE, a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity) and the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA, amonthly discount of 18% on electricity only). Participants qualify through income guidelines or if enrolled in certain public assistance programs; to qualify for FERA, the family must be a household of three or more. To learn more or find out if you’re eligible, click here.

• Be aware that many utility companies provide help to spread out energy costs throughout the year. Special heating assistance funds are offered by some utilities, and many have “no cut off” guidelines to avoid termination of service for older adults, people with disabilities and ill customers who may have difficulty paying their bills. Utility companies can also be a great source of energy conservation information. They might be able to refer you to an expert to inspect your home for ways to make it more energy-efficient or provide a list of contractors to tune up your furnace so that it operates at peak efficiency. 

Have a Back-Up Plan 

You must consider alternative arrangements before you need them; this is especially true for older residents or those with disabilities. Should extreme weather conditions – such as extreme cold or forest fires – require emergency action, you will be prepared with a plan. Try to identify temporary living arrangements in case you are unable to stay in your own home and have a plan for getting there, and plan for your medical needs in case of an evacuation (have extra medications on hand, etc.)

How We Help

At Harmony Communities, we receive questions from residents about a wide variety of issues, including weatherization. Your local manager will have names of contractors who can help with weatherization details, among other things. Get in touch if you need us, we are here for you!

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.