LANSING – State Rep. Andy Dillon (D-Redford) is sharing energy efficiency tips that will help residents lower their heating bills. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced in the fall that the average heating bills this winter are around 46 percent higher than last winter.
"We have to help these families that are struggling to keep their homes warm," Dillon said. "I want to give them resources they can use to ensure they have a safe and comfortable winter. I hope our residents find this information useful and effective."
Here are a few tips to help lower high home heating cost:
- Install an automatic setback thermostat to lower the temperature to 60 degrees at night or when no one is home.
- Set water heater temperature at 120 degrees.
- Caulk and weatherstrip around doors that let cold air in.
- Caulk around outdoor faucets, wire and pipe holes and where different siding materials meet.
- When purchasing new windows or a furnace, look for the Energy Star logo.
- Plug major air leaks, especially in the attic and basement.
In addition, a variety of tax incentives on energy efficiency are also available for residents who qualify. For more information on energy efficiency tax incentives, visit www.michigan.gov/energyoffice. For more information on low-income home-energy assistance, call (800) 292-5650.