Stay Informed

Sign up for updates from the Congresswoman!



Congress On Your Corner

Photo Gallery

Where's Nancy

Veterans History Project

Fram Nancy's Desk

Email Friend Print

Letter of the Week - Nancy offers Weatherization Tips

10/14/08

Every week, 2,000 - 3,000 Second District residents write to me about the issues pending before Congress, and I work hard to respond to each person as promptly and thoughtfully as possible. On this "Letter of the Week" blog, I highlight constituent letters that are of general interest. If you'd like to share your own views, please feel free to e-mail me at any time!

Nancy,

I am at a loss of what to do. The cost of gas is still high and I am really afraid of raising heating costs.  Last year I could barely afford to pay my heating bills. What can I do?

Tom from Manhattan, KS.

Dear Tom,

As I travel through the Second District and listen to Kansans, it seems like the economy and personal finances are weighing on people’s minds.  Beyond what’s happening in the economy, it’s also just that time of year when our thoughts turn to family budgets.  Many families are finding that their budgets are smaller than expected.  As winter approaches, many families are going to have trouble meeting their heating costs.  

Like many of you, I grew up in a household where memories of the Depression still shaped our daily lives.  My parents placed a high premium on saving money and cutting corners on costs.  Their example shaped me, and I hope I’ve passed those values along to my kids. 

In this letter, I’ve enclosed some common sense tips to lower heating costs this winter that are pretty easy to make a part of daily life.  I find them reassuring to read, and sometimes I just need a few reminders about what my mom and dad would’ve done to save a penny.  I hope you’ll enjoy them, and read them in the collaborative spirit in which they’re intended. 

Also, keep in mind that another important part is helping people resolve problems that they are experiencing with federal agencies and programs.  My staff and I have set up our offices in Kansas to assist the residents of the second district in their dealings with Veterans’ Affairs, Social Security, Medicare and other federal agencies.  You can reach my office in Topeka at (785) 234-8111 or the Pittsburg office at (620) 231-3011.

Thank you for your input over these last months.  I hope you will continue to keep in touch with me.

 
Weatherization Tips
Advice for Winter Weather

As much as half of your household energy use goes to heating and cooling. With the cold weather fast approaching and the cost of gas rising, we can all use some reminders on ways to save money this winter. Following these tips will make your home more energy-efficient, saving you money and helping the environment at the same time.

Windows - Windows are an attractive and necessary feature of any home. Unfortunately, loss of heat through window frames also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. Use the following tips to help lower your heating bill:
  • You can use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce heat loss.
  • Install tight-fitting, insulating window shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
  • Keep windows on the south side of your house clean to let in the winter sun. Close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day to gain heat from the sunlight.
  • Install exterior or interior storm windows; storm windows can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%. Storm windows should have weather-stripping at all moveable joints; be made of strong, durable materials; and have interlocking or overlapping joints.

Thermostats – Thermostats are an easy way to save energy, although they are often overlooked.

  • Think about installing a programmable thermostat so you can control the temperature of your house when you aren’t there. If installing a new thermostat isn’t practical, consider turning the heat off when you leave the house, and turning it back on when you return home.

Lighting – As the days get shorter, we tend to use more light from artificial sources. However, these tips can help you keep your electricity bills down even during the longest nights:

  • Use energy efficient compact fluorescent lights in fixtures throughout your home to provide high-quality and high-efficiency lighting. Fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than incandescent (standard) bulbs and last about 4 to 10 times longer.
  • Turn off the lights in any room you're not using, or consider installing timers, photo cells, or occupancy sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are on.
  • Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it. For example, use fluorescent under-cabinet lighting for kitchen sinks and countertops under cabinets.

Help with Heating Bills

  • Remember that the government has programs available for low-income families who are having trouble paying their heating bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists low income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs. For more information, please visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/ or call the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services.

Home Weatherization Help

  • The Kansas Housing Resource Corporation administers the Weatherization Assistance Program for Kansas. The Weatherization Assistance Program, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, provides housing improvements that increase energy efficiency in income-eligible, single- or multi-family dwellings, including manufactured homes. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.kshousingcorp.org/programs/wap.shtml.