I love winter, but my husband (who semi-likes winter) was jumping for joy. Why, honey? Why are you so happy that its not cold or snowing? I know the answer before he even says it. Its good for our heating supply. We may be the only house left in Holmes County that heats with an oil furnace, I dont know. We have a big old tank in the basement that we have to fill at least twice a heating season. Whenever there is unseasonably warm temperatures he gets excited – because he knows the oil will last longer.
Growing up in the third oldest house in Berlin had its share of heating adventures. I remember Ashland Oil coming to fill up our tank that seemed to be hidden in the ground, or at least thats how I saw it. Later, Dad installed a wood stove in the basement and one in the living room. He covered up the fireplace that was much to my discontent. This also involved hauling wood into the house on the coldest of days. He build a wood box that sat by the front door, but that needed to be filled so we would head off to the garage and fill up a wagon with wood and haul it in. That wood stove put off some heat, but not enough to reach upstairs. My kids complain if their room is a little drafty. They dont know what drafty is. The house I grew up in never had ductwork put into each room. It had one grate in the hallway that blew warm air that never quite reached our rooms. It was cold, but I dont remember ever being very uncomfortable. Each room upstairs had an open grate that you could look downstairs to. If only the heat would rise up like it was supposed to.
Ive lived in three houses since Ive been married. The first one contained an oil furnace, the second was gas, and the third one – the one weve been in for nearly 17 years – has an oil furnace. Its not a bad way to heat, just something you need to keep your eye on. Were used to going down and checking the gauge once in a while to make sure its not headed toward empty. Weve become masters at stretching out a tank of oil. We have a digital thermostat that tells us the exact temperature. During the day, we keep it set at 68 degrees while were at school and work. In the evening if its really cold we turn it up to 70 degrees. Our little house heats up nicely, but its still just chilly enough to use blankets. I think this is a key in saving a little money and stretching out the tank. Blankets, blankets, blankets. What is winter if youre not sitting on the couch covered up? We could all save a bit of energy if we used a blanket and a long-sleeve shirt for evening sitting. There is nothing cozier. When its bedtime, we turn the furnace down to 68 degrees again because who wants to sleep in a hot bedroom. Not me. I would crack the window if the husband let me.
Keeping the home warm for your family can, at times, be a hardship for some. I cant imagine the electric or heat being shut off in the middle of winter because you cant afford it. There is help out there for those that are having trouble keeping their homes warm this very cold season – and has it ever been cold. The Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commissions Emergency HEAP is available right now and ready for you to apply. It can give you up to $750 in heating oil or gas, $350 for wood or coal and up to $175 to help you keep your electric on if youre facing disconnection. You must make an appointment and show up with documentation for income and verify who lives in the home. Think you wouldnt be qualified? Household size of one may earn up to $22,340, household of two $30,260, household of three $38,180, household of four $46,100, household of five $54,020 and household of six $61,940. It is available through March 31. Dont hesitate or be too proud to apply. These programs are here to help you make it through a tough time. Call this number at Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commissions HEAP office at 330-674-6479. Or follow either of these links for more information:
http://www.knohoco.org/index.php/services/energy-services/emergency-home-energy-assistance or
http://www.holmesbargainhunter.com/article/20121224/NEWS/712249965/0/hbh?sectioncat=hbh
