Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Home Energy Tips for Older Adults

The Eldercare Locator and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have partnered to provide some economical tips to stay warm and safe at home.  They have published a guide called "Winter Warmth and Safety: Home Energy Tips for Older Adults".
First, there are programs that can assist you with heating costs. The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco Pinellas can provide information about state, county, and city programs to help older adults with winter heating costs.  In addition, the federal LIHEAP program helps eligible low income home owners and renters to afford home heating. Each county in Florida has a different agency that administers LIHEAP. Applications are only available by contacting your local agency. For Pasco County, this agency is Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. - if you are in East Pasco, the number is (352) 567-0533 and for West Pasco, the number is (727) 845-7350.

Next, there are programs to help you save money by making your home better insulated and more energy efficient. The Florida program is the "Weatherization Assistance Program". 

The Winter Warmth Guide also gives additional tips such as:
  • Do not use your stove or oven to heat your home.
  • Insulate water pipes to avoid freezing and bursting.
  • Have a back-up plan for extreme weather conditions.
Click here for more information.

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