As the days and nights start to get colder, there are steps you and your family can take to ensure a safer winter.
Home energy studies show that keeping homes a constant temperature of at least 68 degrees can prevent health and safety-related crises, such as asthma or hypothermia, that may result in hospital visits. It’s also more efficient to keep the thermostat at the same temperature overnight to avoid having to “re-warm” your home the next morning.
Some families use space heaters as a primary heating source or to address cold spots in rooms due to uneven heat distribution. But the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Board estimates at least 25,000 household fires are started each year by space heaters.
If your household uses space heaters, remember:
If you are buying a space heater, look for one that has an automatic shut-off if knocked over and that is adequate for the size of the room. Check for any additional built-in health and safety mechanisms.
For central heating units, the change of seasons is a perfect time to change and clean filters. Dirty filters and air ducts not only impact air quality in your home, they can also reduce your unit’s efficiency. A lot of dust and detritus in the filter may also become a fire hazard.
Service interruptions can be inconvenient or even dangerous. Being prepared and knowing where to get help can keep your heating bills paid.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may also be able to help pay bills, assist in a crisis, or weatherize your home. Find the contacts in your state, territory, or tribe.
Being prepared for the winter is crucial to making sure your family stays safe and warm throughout the fall and winter season.
The Office of Community Services supports millions of low income families by distributing approximately $3 billion each year in heating, cooling, crisis and weatherization assistance so that low income families can avert residential energy-related crises