Heating Costs Scary This Winter? LIHEAP May Help!

Put another log on the fire!

Put another log on the fire!

This winter, more than ever, many people in Pike and Wayne County are worried about the cost of keeping their families warm, along with putting food on the table and buying other necessities.  Oil used to be one of the most economical ways to heat your home, but those days are gone…

Some folks are relying on kerosene or electric space heaters to keep the winter chill away.  Many of us are preparing to install wood, coal, or pellet stoves in order to have a less expensive heat source.

There IS help available for lower income Pennsylvanians.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) can help qualified home owners pay for heating costs this winter.  (PDF brochure)  The funds are paid directly to the utility or fuel company.  You can apply online!

This is terrific news, especially for those with young children or seniors on limited incomes.  This year, eligibility was expanded, which will enable nearly 80,000 more citizens to qualify for this assistance.  For instance, a family of four with an annual income of up to $44,443 can qualify for LIHEAP.

Click here for a Benefit Outline, which will tell you approximately how much you will be eligible for, depending on your county and type of fuel.

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS FOR A WARMER WINTER

  • Seal up drafty windows with a shrink wrap material like these kits, available at Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, or other home supply stores.  Here is a DIY YouTube Video on shrink wrapping your windows, though I am going to caution you to please be careful with knives and ladders!I did not know that there was an exterior version of the window film available; we have always used the interior type.  Once the plastic is stretched tightly across the window, we go over it for a few minutes with a hair dryer to tighten it even more.

WARNING: Be aware that you do need air circulation in your home in the winter as well!  Read this important info about CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS. Be sure that your home has working smoke AND carbon monoxide detectors!

  • Slippers, socks, flannel clothes! Yes, it seems silly, but stock up on warm and cozy socks, slippers, and warm clothes made from flannel/fleece materials!  My favoritest thing in the world is my huge, ratty sweater and my red-n-black plaid fleece pajama bottoms.  Put on several thin layers when you’re at home and turn the thermostat back a degree or two.
  • Have your heating system serviced and checked by a professional.
  • EXERCISE throughout the day – and then reward yourself with a hot cup of herbal tea or spiced cider!
  • CROCK POTS are great for making delicious soups, stews, and chili to warm you up.
  • Old fashioned but comforting: try a hot water bottle for a retro flashback!