Winter Heating Tips

DOER's Winter Fuels Consumer Tip Sheets:

• Fuel Assistance Programs available to Massachusetts residents.

• Oil Heat Contracts Tips .

• Oil Heat Maintenance and Energy Conservation Tips .

• Tips for Natural Gas Customers .

• Tips for Propane Customers .

• Tips for Selecting Energy Efficient Windows for homes in Massachusetts.

• Tips for Insulating Your Home .

• More Winter Heating Energy-Saving Tips from DOER.

• "What Consumers Should Know" On-line brocures that explain, in layman's terms, Residential Natural Gas Pricing and Propane Pricing. From the Energy Information Division, the U.S. Department of Energy's independent statistical and analytical agency.

• Massachusetts Renewable Energy Tax Incentives - Massachusetts offers tax incentives to individuals and business that install renewable energy systems at their homes or offices. This section provides a summary of these incentives and who to contact for more information.

• Federal Renewable Energy Tax Incentives - The Federal government offers tax incentives to individuals and business that install renewable energy systems at their homes or offices. This section provides a summary of these incentives and who to contact for more information.

• Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency - Direct Federal tax credits for consumers (home improvements, cars, solar energy systems,and fuel cells), home builders, manufacturers, and commercial buildings.

• Energy Savers Guide from the U.S. Department of Energy.

• Current Fuel Oil and Propane Price Surveys

More DOER Energy-Saving Tips!

Windows and Doors

• Repair broken or cracked glass and putty older windows; check to see that windows close properly and window locks pull sashes together.

• Make sure doors close properly; repair or replace non-working doorknobs, latches and striker plates.

• Weatherstrip windows, doors and attic accesses; caulk the frames around windows and doors from the inside using a clear, pliable caulk.

Other Air Leaks

• If you have a fireplace, be sure it is fitted with a tight sealing damper that is closed when the fireplace is not in use. If the fireplace is used infrequently, use a chimney block to eliminate heat loss.

• Caulk foundation cracks and openings. Make sure kitchen and bathroom vent dampers close properly.

Lights and Hot Water

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent lights. Over its lifetime, a fluorescent bulb will save $30 - $50. Look for rebates from utilities to save you even more. Today's new compact fluorescent bulbs perform even better than the models of a few years ago.

• Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators to save energy and water.

• Reduce your hot water heater temperature to 120°.

• Repair leaking hot water faucets, tanks and pipes.

Other Energy Tips

In addition, the following improvements can save more money on heating bills, although they generally require a greater up-front investment of time or money. Contact your gas or electric utility to find any rebates or other assistance that they may offer for such measures.

• Install automatic setback thermostats that adjust the heat to your schedule.

• Insulate attics (especially attics with less than seven inches of insulation), walls, and flooring over unheated crawl spaces or basements.

• Install exterior storm windows, including cellar storm windows. For windows that are rarely opened, consider installing interior storm windows.

• If you plan to replace your present oil or gas heating system, select a high efficiency unit with an Annual Fuel Use Efficiency Rating (AFUE) of at least 82 percent. Make sure the heating system is properly "sized" for your home; many systems are too large for the space being heated the result is a considerable waste of dollars.

• Replace standard curtains with tight sealing, insulated or quilted window coverings.

• For additional energy savings, DOER recommends that residential customers take advantage of the statewide MassSAVE programs by visiting www.masssave.com.