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Energy Savings Tips!
Get Help Paying Your Heating Bills & Stay Warm This Winter!

Need help staying warm this winter?  Action, Inc.'s Energy Services is here for you.  We offer Fuel Assistance and other programs to help people on Cape Ann and beyond save money, conserve energy, and stay warm.  Fuel Assistance is available to eligible households from November 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012, and covers all types of heating fuel.  To qualify, your gross annual household income may not exceed: $31,218.00 for a single person; $40,824.00 for a two-person household; $50,429.00 for three persons; $60,035.00 for four persons; and $69,641.00 for a five-person household.  Additional discounts for natural gas, heating oil, electricity, and phone service may apply as well.  We also offer energy conservation and education programs to both homeowners and renters, which may include weatherizing your home through insulation and air sealing, replacing inefficient light bulbs and refrigerators, and more.  For homeowners only, we may be able to pay for heating system repairs, cleanings, and replacements.  Call (978) 281-3900 today to learn more or (978) 282-1003 to book an appointment.  For more information, visit www.actioninc.org/energy)main.html

Energy Saving Tips

It is important to remember that in addition to gas costs, weather dramatically affects your energy usage bills. When temperatures drop, you use more energy to heat your home and business, and energy conservation becomes very important. New England Gas Company is committed to providing our customers with the latest conservation updates, to ensure that we're working together to conserve energy.


Heating and Cooling Tips

         Weatherstrip your windows and doorways. Add door sweeps beneath doors for added insulation.
Check your furnace filter every month during the heating season and replace when it is dirty.
Save on your heating costs by adding insulation to your uninsulated or inadequately insulated attic.
Repair cracks or broken seams in forced-air heating ducts.
Lowering your thermostat while you are not at home or at night while you sleep can save money.  For every degree you lower your thermostat, you can save approximately 3 percent on your heating bill.  Generally, lowering your thermos t at by five degrees will make an impact on your energy bill.
Close your drapes or blinds at night to keep the heat inside your premises.
During cold weather, seal all openings to cooling units (wall and window air conditioners and outside central air units) to keep the heat inside your premises.
Don’t block heating outlets or return registers with furniture or other objects.
Choose a high-efficiency model when shopping for a new gas furnace.

Water Heating Tips

Here are some tips that will help you save energy and money by using natural gas water heaters and hot water - wisely and efficiently. Today's natural gas water heaters are more efficient than ever, but here are a few steps that you can take to maximize that efficiency:

Keep the area around your water heater clean and well-ventilated.
Water heaters are now being shipped with a recommendation of temperature settings at 120 degrees. This slows lime buildup, and reduces the risk of hot water burns.
Repair leaky hot water faucets and pipes.
Install water flow restrictors in your shower heads and other faucets.
Use warm or cold water to wash clothing when possible.
Run the dishwasher only when it is full.
Take short showers rather than baths, to save water.
Never let the hot water run continuously when washing your face or shaving.
Use the cold water faucet when little water is required.
Water heaters, like heating systems, carry a federally required Energy-Guide sticker. On a water heater, the Energy Guide shows you the average annual cost for the unit and indicates the "first-hour rating" of the water heater. To estimate your annual operating cost, be sure to look at the yearly cost figure based on your current energy rates.

Click on the Link Below to Learn More!



 
Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea
10 Central Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944-1399
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