SPOKANE, Wash. — Temperatures are dropping, thermostats are going up, and power bills are rising. But there are simple fixes you can make right now to keep more money in your pocket this winter.
In Spokane County, you’ll find homes of all ages. But many share a costly problem.
“Some of the biggest issues are a lot of people’s lack of knowledge with their home,” said Jason Smith, a weatherization crew lead with Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners.
With that lack of knowledge, the smallest gaps can make a big difference.
“It could up your energy bill quite a bit,” Smith said.
Single-pane windows become major heat thieves. But the fix is often simple.
“You can go around your home, you can feel around windows. Any single penetration that runs through your wall, your floor, your ceiling and seal it up,” Smith said.
Use foam, caulk, or weatherstripping to stop leaks.
Smith helps folks weather-proof their homes.
“We just see a lot of happy people out there. And after we’re done and just a good feeling to have at the end of a job,” Smith said.
The timing couldn’t be more critical when people need to save money. One in five Spokane County residents will soon lose federal food assistance.
“In today’s environment of this week and next week, it’s going to be are you going to pay your heating bill or are you going to eat? It’s a bad choice that folks have to make,” said John Hoover, director of housing services with SNAP.
SNAP offers free home weatherization services, finding where you’re losing heat and fixing problems at no cost. You can check eligibility on their website.
You can also go to any SNAP office and pick up one of their weatherization kits. However, they ask you call beforehand just to make sure they have a kit there for you.
“If we can save them some money along the way, they’ll have resources to do other things with,” Hoover said.
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