Cold weather coming — energy assistance for seniors

With sub-freezing temperatures expected this weekend, if you are a senior (or know one who this might benefit), there may be energy assistance available, according to this press release:

 Dropping temperatures as winter approaches is a time to remember that no one should have to choose between staying warm and paying for food, rent, medicine or other essentials. Unfortunately, many older people on fixed or dwindling incomes are faced with just such choices.

The good news is that the Federal government has just released $5.1 billion from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to assist eligible low-income households in meeting their heating and other energy needs. And finding out if you qualify is easy, thanks to a free and confidential online service called BenefitsCheckUp, provided by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), at www.BenefitsCheckUp.org.  In addition to seeing if you qualify for energy assistance, people can consider the following tips for lowering energy bills: 

1. Turn down the thermostat; especially when you leave your house for awhile. You can save up to five percent on your energy bill for each degree of temperature change.  

2. Change your light bulbs to energy-saving compact fluorescent lights (CFL).

3. Turn off your power strips or unplug electronics such as TVs, video players and computers. Your appliances still use around 70 percent of their usual energy when left on standby. 

4. Close your curtains at dusk, which will stop heat escaping through the windows. But open the drapes, blinds or shades on sunny winter days to let warmth in.

5. Close the fireplace damper when the fireplace is not in use.

6. Properly seal and insulate your attic and save up to 10 percent annually on energy bills.

7. Caulk your window seals around the glass to provide additional insulation. If you have a window air conditioning unit, weather-strip the seams around the unit.

8. Insulate your water heater and hot water pipes; particularly in unheated spaces.  

9. Turn the water heater temperature down to 120F. Every reduction of 10 degrees can save up to five percent on heating costs.

10. Keep your appliances clean and in good condition. Clogged air vents or worn-out parts make motors work harder, which wastes energy.

According to findings of a comprehensive survey in 2005 by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), 92 percent of the elderly consider LIHEAP very important to helping them meet their energy costs. Today, with costs escalating on all fronts, older people can find out if they’re likely to be eligible for LIHEAP by visiting www.BenefitsCheckUp.org.  It can be used by seniors, their adult children, caregivers or local organizations to determine their eligibility for LIHEAP; all by filling out a simple questionnaire online.  

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About NCOA. 

The National Council on Aging is a non-profit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans; especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged ?x2013; and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together non-profit organizations, businesses and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors live independently, find jobs and benefits, improve their health, and remain active in their communities. For more information, visit www.ncoa.org.