What is Energy Assistance and How Can Courtesy Oil Help?
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, helps residents across Pennsylvania afford heating materials to keep their homes safe and warm. Heating oil can get costly, especially if you have a large household but live on a low-income budget. The LIHEAP program can also help for weatherizing your home and with emergency funds for repairs. There are various plans that you can look through on the LIHEAP website to see if any fit your current situation. Courtesy Oil in Dunbar, PA, gladly works with LIHEAP to provide energy assistance for our customers who need it. Please apply through LIHEAP or reach out to our friendly staff with any questions concerning the program and our business.
How Do I Receive Energy Assistance?
Energy assistance is available through our state government, and can be completed online, through the mail, or in person. Call your local office or check online to see the most convenient way for you. There are specific income guidelines you must fall under in order to receive energy assistance. The amount varies by your yearly income, so it is best to check out LIHEAP’s website in order to see if you qualify. You do not have to receive any other government aid, nor do you have to be behind on current heating bills to receive energy assistance. This program is essentially for anyone struggling to heat their homes. Taking advantage of the program can help your budget to get back on track with smaller payments.
Crisis Grants Available to Keep Your Heating On
Disasters happen, heating equipment stops working, or oil runs out unexpectedly. With a crisis grant through LIHEAP, you do not have to worry about having enough money to fix the problem or live in freezing temperatures with no heat. Call your local Department of Human Services office to learn more about crisis-related grants as an option when you need it.
Heating Your Home is Mandatory – Do Not Go Cold This Winter
According to the Consumer Energy Alliance, Pennsylvanians spent $3,108 on energy expenses in 2016. With over one million PA residents living in poverty, this can come as a shock to many consumers. Heating is not something you can compromise on, and it’s crucial to know that you have the ability to keep your home and family safe during the winter months. When it comes time to order oil or kerosene from Courtesy Oil to heat your home, view our prices or call ahead to find out what it will cost to fill your tank. If you are unsure if you can pay it, it may be best to seek out options like payment plans or energy assistance options.
Ways to Keep Your Home Warm Without Overspending
It may seem like there is no other way to keep your home warm than shoveling hundreds or thousands of dollars out every few months to keep up. Beyond energy assistance, a few ways to keep your home warm while saving money on heating costs include:
- Keep your thermostat low when you are not home.
- Keep up with regular maintenance on heating systems. A dirty furnace can cause overuse,
- which affects your energy bill in the long run.
- Close off unused spaces to keep your living areas warm.
- Keep blinds and curtains open during colder months to allow heat to enter.
Energy.gov has many different tips and tricks in keeping your home warm without increasing costs. It will help not only with your budget but can help to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Explore the Energy Assistance Programs that will Help the Most
There are various programs that can help with energy assistance, including LIHEAP, the Dollar Energy Fund, and many others in PA. Talk with the staff at Courtesy Oil for further guidance, or call your local government office to ask about the options regarding energy assistance. Please note that LIHEAP is available in November. Do not wait until it’s too late – reach out to your local Department of Human Services office as soon as possible.
For more information on energy assistance and how to save when purchasing fuel, call Courtesy Oil in Dunbar, PA, at (724) 438-4328 or (724) 277-8478. We offer prompt delivery of the fuels you need to keep your home warm and safe.