The Low-income Energy Assistance Program provides assistance for some heating costs for qualified low income households.

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program may be a source of help. Even if you are not eligible for assistance, the worker in your local county department of social services may have some other ideas.

Once the thermostat is set, it should be left alone. However, programmable thermostats are commonly installed on systems to setback the house temperatures while you are away from your home. The air filters inside the system need to be checked, cleaned, or changed each month. The outdoor fan should not be covered or obstructed, so it can receive proper air flow.

A.If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for certain programs that help with medical expenses. These services include Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, and other federal, state, and local programs. To find out about these programs and how to qualify, contact your State Medical Assistance office. The government is also providing extra help with prescription drug costs. People with limited income and resources can take advantage of reduced premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

The best way to reduce fuel costs is to use less fuel. These quick tips can help reduce heating bills: Changing the filters on your forced hot air heating system on a monthly basis as well as having your burner cleaned and tuned up yearly will help it run more efficiently, therefore cutting down on the amount of fuel used. Some estimates show fuel savings to be as high as 15% or more. You may wish to set up an automatic delivery plan.

In comparison to old, single-glazed windows, heat loss per unit of glass area can be reduced to less than one-fourth. To achieve this, special thermal insulating glass is required. Yet substantial heating savings can be achieved with standard insulating glass as well.

Because RenewAire recovers most of the heat energy in the exhaust air (in the winter), this is the least expensive kind of ventilation system to operate. RenewAire is also much less expensive to operate than a dehumidifier sized to accomplish a similar amount of wintertime moisture removal. In fact, most people report little or no impact on their heating or cooling bill, but this can vary depending on many factors.

With the threat of fire and explosions eliminated, insurance rates may also be reduced. Contact your insurance broker to confirm.

Persons who are currently receiving Old Age Pension (OAP), Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND), Aid to the Blind (AB), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may qualify for a reduced rate on basic telephone service through the Telephone Assistance Program.

Students with pending financial aid may qualify for a book voucher that can be used at the local bookstores or Students may apply for a cash loan up to $400 for assistance in purchasing books and supplies. Contact the Bursar’s Office for more information.

various times throughout the year, the agencies receive funds from various sources that can be used to assist low-income families move in to permanent housing. Call our Housing Consumer Education Center at 617-425-6700 and ask if funding is currently available.

DSS offers a Crisis Intervention Program and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program to help with heating and cooling crises. Contact DSS at 336-372-2411 for more information. Additional resources include the Solid Rock Ministries (336-372-5959) administered through Alleghany Cares.

ACCESS Agency located at 1315 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226 provides assistance with winter heating bills for families and individuals. Call 450-7423 for an appointment to apply.

U.S. Social Security: If the deceased earned sufficient wages during his or her lifetime, a surviving spouse or dependent child may receive a lump-sum death benefit of $255. In addition, survivors may receive all or part of the Social Security benefits that would have gone to the deceased. The funeral director will give you the necessary information to apply for these benefits. Further information is available from Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

During the cold winter months, tint greatly improves heat retention within a room’s interior. With energy costs escalating, retro-fitting window film to existing glass is a valuable investment for commercial and residential owners. Northeast Tint will consult with you to choose just the right film to fit your needs

Unfortunately, furnace oil prices are expected to remain high for some period of time. Issues involving seasonal and ongoing demand in distillate products (furnace oil and diesel products) may see prices remain high throughout this heating season.

Ceiling fans can provide year-round energy efficiency and cost savings.A ceiling fan can save up to 40% on summer cooling costs, and up to 10% on winter heating costs. During winter, it can move heat trapped near the ceiling back into the living area, reducing heating costs by up to 10%. This is especially valuable in rooms with high or vaulted ceilings. Savings will vary depending on local climate conditions and energy rates.

Extensive – I’ve seen them listed as low as about $9/sq .ft. for 3” of growing media and sedums. More commonly the range is between $14 - $25/sq. ft., (including roofing membranes). But every project is unique, and certainly there are ways to lower the costs. Economy of scale is also very relevant. The Ford Motor Company River Rouge Plant greenroof in Dearborn, MI, for example, came in around $4/sq. ft.