Lowering Your Utility Bills: Programs and Simple Changes

Keeping your home comfortable is important for your health, especially during extreme heat or cold. But utility bills can take a large share of a fixed income. A combination of simple changes and assistance programs may help bring costs down.

Start with your utility company

Call your electric, gas and water providers and ask:

• Do you offer discount programs for older or low-income customers?
• Do you have budget billing, which spreads costs evenly across the year to avoid big seasonal spikes?
• Do you offer free or discounted home energy audits?
• Are there rebates for energy-efficient appliances, insulation or thermostats?
• What protections exist against shutoffs during extreme weather or for customers with medical needs?

Many utilities have programs that are not widely advertised.

Low-cost changes that can help

Heating and cooling

• Adjust your thermostat a few degrees when you are asleep or away, while keeping your home at a safe temperature for your health.
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat.
• Change or clean furnace and air conditioner filters regularly.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air.
• Close curtains on hot days and open them on sunny winter days.

Drafts and insulation

• Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk.
• Use door draft stoppers.
• Add insulation to attics if possible.

Lighting and appliances

• Switch to LED bulbs, which use much less energy and last longer.
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
• Use power strips to turn off several devices at once.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
• Wash clothes in cold water when practical.
• Clean the dryer lint filter after every load.

Water heating

• Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which also helps prevent scalding.
• Fix dripping faucets.
• Install low-flow showerheads.

Energy assistance programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This federally funded program, run by states, helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills and, in some cases, with energy crises and minor weatherization repairs. Availability, amounts and application periods depend on annual funding and state rules. Contact your state LIHEAP office or local community action agency to ask what is available.

Weatherization Assistance Program. Where available, this program may provide free improvements like insulation and air sealing for eligible households. Contact your state weatherization agency to check current availability.

Local programs. Many nonprofits, community action agencies, faith organizations and utilities run their own assistance funds, especially in winter.

Stay safe while saving

• Do not let your home get too cold or too hot. Older adults are more vulnerable to temperature extremes. Your doctor can advise on safe temperatures for your health.
• Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Use space heaters carefully: keep them away from anything flammable, plug them directly into wall outlets and turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have heating systems inspected regularly.
• Install and test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.

Beware of energy scams

Scammers sometimes pose as utility workers and threaten immediate shutoff unless you pay by gift card or wire transfer. Utilities do not demand payment this way. Hang up and call the number on your bill.

Find help

Contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about energy assistance in your community.

Terrameritavi is an independent publication and is not affiliated with any government agency or utility.