Heating / Cooling Tips

• If possible, install a programmable thermostat.
• Set thermostat to 60 degrees F at night and when no one is home.
• Set refrigerator temperature between 37 and 40 degrees F.
• Replace your furnace filter every month, especially if you have pets.
• Clean & tune your oil heating system once a year and your gas system every 2 years.

Water Heating Tips

• Repair leaking hot water faucets immediately.
• Reduce hot water heater temperature to 120 degrees F.
• Install low-flow shower heads and faucets to save energy and water.
• Use cold water whenever possible and never run hot water needlessly.

Laundry Tips

• Wash & rinse clothes in cold water.
• Set water level to match load size.
• Avoid over drying clothes.
• Clean the lint trap after every load.

Water Conservation Tips

• Repair leaky faucets immediately.
• Take showers, not baths, because they use up less hot water.
• Don't let the tap water run unnecessarily while you wash or shave.

Cooking Tips

• Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator & avoid preheating.
• Use the smallest pan possible to cook because smaller pans require less energy.
• Whenever possible, use your microwave or toaster oven instead of your conventional oven.
• Always try to keep refrigerator stocked because it takes more energy to cool an empty refrigerator.

House Heating / Warming Tips

• When purchasing new appliances, look for the Energy Star logo.
• Caulk and weather-strip around windows and doors, sealing holes and cracks.
• Put plastic/ duct tape around windows; If possible, install storm windows.
• Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlets to stop cold air infiltration.
• Don't heat unused rooms.
• At night, stuff towels/rags under doors and cover windows with blankets.
• Place hand drapes, bedding or shower curtains over doors or windows.
• Move furniture and draperies away from radiators, vents, and registers.
• Turn off lights in any room you are not using; Do not heat unused rooms.
• Replace traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs).
• Only use space heaters in rooms that do not get enough heat.

Danger Signals

• NEVER run out of oil because it will affect your heating system.
• NEVER use barbecues or charcoal inside your home

• DO NOT use a gas or electric oven or surface units for heating.
• DO NOT burn anything larger than candles inside your home.
• DO NOT use a space heater unless you must; beware of flammable materials.

• ALWAYS plan ahead for oil delivery.
• ALWAYS make sure you don’t go below 1/4 of a tank of oil.
• ALWAYS keep a few faucets running to avoid frozen pipes if you run out of fuel.
• ALWAYS keep firefighting materials on hand (i.e., fire extinguisher, water, etc.).

Frostbite Warning Signs

• gray, white or yellow skin discoloration
• numbness
• waxy feeling skin
• shallow breathing
• weak pulse
• excess shivering

Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

Symptoms of Hypothermia

• confusion
• dizziness
• exhaustion
• slowed, slurred speech
• severe shivering

Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

A Tip for our Elder Residents — Hypothermia occurs when cold weather causes your body temperature to drop to sub-normal levels. If you suspect a person has hypothermia and emergency help is not available right away, wrap him or her in a warm blanket, making sure to cover the head and neck.

For heat-related emergencies this winter call:

ABCD Energy Programs: 617- 357-6012
Citizens Energy: 617-338-6300
The Mayor’s Line: 617-635-4500
The United Way: 1-800-231-4377
The Elderly Commission Hotline: 617-635-4366
The Salvation Army Good Neighbor Energy Fund: 617-542-5420