Keeping Warm this Holiday Season

As the temperature drops, your thermostat keeps going up and so does your heating bill.

It’s hard to reach for your thermostat without seeing dollar signs but there are ways you can reduce that monthly bill.

And if money is really tight programs across the FM area are available to make sure no family goes cold.

It’s that time of year again: hanging lights, decorating the tree and prepping your house for the cold temperatures.

“Every winter we do this every winter,” says Joyce Zeller of Fargo.

For Joyce it’s become a routine.

“We make sure the windows are sealed up right. We do have one window that we have to seal with plastic. Check the furnace every year; we make sure the thermostat is turned down though to eliminate the heat costs,” says Zeller.

But sometimes the costs are still just too high and that’s where the Salvation Army comes in.

“When families come to us were able to help with utility assistance year round,” says Major Elaine Medlock of The Salvation Army.

The Cold Weather Law prohibits electric companies from shutting off heat to residents who can’t pay.

But when that ends the Salvation Army is there.

They serve the most families during October and April.

“The crisis hits just before that goes into effect and just after its goes off effect,” says Major Medlock.

“Heat share is just one of the Salvation Army programs to provide emergency heat for people who need it the most and you can donate too just by clicking on this link.”

But there are other means to staying warm.

Xcel Energy has an average monthly payment program, eliminating the dreaded massive winter heat bill.

“It’s important for everybody to feel comfortable in their home and not to be freezing in a place that’s supposed to be where you can go and refresh from the day,” says Major Medlock.

So if the going gets rough, know there’s resources available ensuring every family stay warms.

There are also some simple ways to keep your bills at a reasonable price.

Energy saving tips include covering drafty windows, replacing your furnace filter once a month and sealing windows with any air leaks.

Just a few ways to avoid seeing unwanted dollar signs this season.