Now that the winter chill has firmly settled over Lassen County, many residents are watching their thermometers drop and their heating bills rise. To help the community stay warm without breaking the bank, the nice folks at the Lassen Economic Development Corporation and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program have shared some practical advice for cutting costs this season.
Here are four strategies to help you manage your heating expenses this winter:
Optimize Your Thermostat
According to the EPA, up to a quarter of household heating is wasted heating an empty house. Investing in a smart thermostat can eliminate this waste by running your system only when necessary.
The Trick: Program your thermostat to turn on about 30 minutes before you arrive home.
The Savings: This small adjustment can save you up to 20% off your monthly bill.
Ask About “Budget Billing”
Spikes in winter energy usage can be hard on a monthly budget. Check with your utility provider to see if they offer “budget billing.”
How it works: Providers examine your historical energy usage to create an average monthly cost.
The Benefit: This evens out your payments, allowing you to budget a predictable amount each month and better gauge when it is time to cut back on usage.
Check Your Air Filter
The air filter is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of your heating system. It prevents dust, dirt, and impurities from clogging the heating element, which allows the furnace to run efficiently.
The Maintenance: Clean or replace dirty filters regularly.
The Savings: According to the Department of Energy, a clean filter can chop 5 to 15% off your heating bill.
Stop the Drafts
A simple and cost-effective way to combat the cold is to use a door draft stopper.
Where to put them: Place them on exterior doors to block chilly air and regulate temperatures between rooms.
Bonus: Apartment dwellers benefit doubly, as these stoppers also help reduce hallway noise and keep bugs out.
About LIHEAP
For more than 40 years, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been assisting Lassen County’s low-income and most vulnerable populations with utility bills and weatherization services.
The program helps eligible households in Lassen County with home energy bills by making a one-time payment directly to the utility company on their behalf. The impact of this program is significant: in California alone during 2024, LIHEAP assisted 187,263 households, distributing $145 million in payment assistance benefits.
For More Information
If you need assistance or want to learn more about eligibility for the program visit www.lassenedc.org or call 1.530.256.3531.
