Energy-saving tips will save you money this winter

Warwick - With a little bit of planning now, the cost of heating your home can be dramatically reduced. There are many common-sense ways to reduce home energy losses to help lower heating costs. Consider taking measures to improve insulation, reduce air leaks by installing storm windows, and seal drafty windows with clear heavy-duty plastic and use draft blockers on doors. Small investments like these can save up to 30 percent on annual energy bills. Cleaning or replacing furnace filters monthly, or as needed, will improve airflow and the longevity of heating systems. Have your furnace serviced by a professional if it hasn’t been checked for some time. Also, set the home’s thermostat as low as is comfortable, and invest in a programmable thermostat. Residents using home heating oil or propane should shop around for the lowest cost fuel provider. Some other simple, yet often overlooked, energy savers include lowering the thermostat on hot water heaters to 120 degrees, installing low-flow faucets and shower heads, insulating hot water tanks, and repairing leaky faucets that can waste many gallons of hot water in a short time. Try using cooler wash water when washing clothes, keep showers short and turn off lights in rooms not being used. For more energy-saving tips, visit www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/ <http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/. When shopping for new appliances, ensure maximum energy efficiency by purchasing those with the ENERGY STAR label since they are manufactured to exceed minimum federal standards and can greatly reduce energy consumption. ENERGY STAR also offers the Home Performance Program that will send an accredited contractor to evaluate your home for free, making recommendations for energy efficiency and provide a cost estimate to do the improvements. More information on ENERGY STAR is available at www.getenergysmart.org <http://www.getenergysmart.org/. Assemlywoman Annie Rabbit says that she also urge eligible residents to take advantage of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a federally funded initiative that provides home heating assistance grants of $150 to $400 to households to help pay for heating costs. Benefit amounts are based on household income and residents’ ages, and the money is paid directly to the utility company. Homeowners with children under the age of 6 and adults who are over 60 are considered vulnerable populations, so they may receive higher benefits. To determine HEAP eligibility, call toll-free (800) 342-3009 or contact a local social services department. Taking steps now can save you a lot of money come this winter. I encourage everyone to use these energy saving tips to your advantage. Anyone with questions or comments on this or any other state matter may contact my district office at 41 High Street in Goshen or call us at (845) 291-3631.