The upcoming US winter is expected to be not only colder, but more expensive. Therefore, at Globe Live Media we give you five recommendations so that you can save on heating costs if you are in the US and have a low income
If there is one thing that financial specialists agree on regarding their forecasts for the coming winter in the United States, it is that heating costs will probably increase this year, due to the high prices of natural gas and the projections that this season could be more cold than before.
In fact, the National Energy Assistance Association estimates that heating costs could rise as much as 18% from last year, to an average of $1,208.
However, there are certain recommendations that you can take into account to reduce this bill and save some money along the way. In Globe Live Media we tell you.
1- You can apply for federal aid from the US Low Income Home Energy Expense Assistance Program.
Through this program, the administration of Joe Biden, President of the United States, intends to distribute up to $4.5 billion dollars to US states to guarantee aid to residents who have difficulty paying their heating bills.
Although each state sets its own requirements for distributing these funds, in general, a family of four with an income of $50,000 a year may qualify. To apply, you can contact your local utility office, which could result in you receiving a credit on your monthly bill.
2- Schedule a review of your home heating system
According to a report by The New York Times, this is one of the essential steps that you must take into account when facing the coming winter. According to ASHRARE, an association of heating and cooling professionals, they indicate that dirty components of your heating system can reduce the ventilation of the same, deteriorating its performance and damaging the system.
This, simply put, reduces the efficiency of your heating system, which can cause your bills to go up significantly.
3- Use your thermostat intelligently
ASHRAE’s recommendation, reviewed by The New York Times, is that you set your thermostat at 68 degrees when you’re awake and lower it while you go to sleep or are away from home.
However, to avoid frozen pipes, you should know that it is not recommended to set your thermostat below 55 degrees, since the cost of repairing frozen pipes usually ranges between $10,000 and $12,000.
4- Find out if your service provider company offers budget payment plans
These plans, which are offered by most basic service companies, allow you to pay a fixed monthly payment for a certain period. If you use less energy than you expected, you’ll get a credit on your bills. If you use more, you may have to pay an overage.
It should be noted that these plans may come with additional charges.
5- Do not replace your heating system at the moment
According to Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Association, federal credits from the Reduce Inflation Act will soon be available, which will allow you to access rebates for renovations related to energy improvements in your home, and you won’t want to miss them.