The first step in managing home energy costs should be to make energy efficiency improvements - you might be surprised at the savings! For guidance on how to start a comprehensive renovation, see the guide on UNH’s web site:  http://extension.unh.edu/Energy/EE_HomeImprove.htm

If you decide to proceed with a weatherization project, you may be eligible for financial assistance. There are currently two programs in NH that assist with these costs:

• The Home Performance with Energy Star program assists customers with the costs of a retrofit, covering 50% of the costs up to $4,000. Program eligibility is determined by how inefficient a home currently is. Visit the NHSaves web site to see if your home might be eligible: http://www.nhsaves.com/residential/retrofit.html
• The income-based Weatherization Assistance Program; for more information, visit our web site:  http://www.nh.gov/oep/programs/weatherization/index.htm

Of course, there are also smaller steps that you can take right now to reduce your energy bills; for tips on improvements you can make yourself, see our Energy Efficiency Resources page and our Winterization Quick Tips.

After you’ve ensured that your home isn’t wasting energy, additional savings may be found by utilizing the following tools:

• Pre-buy Contracts for Heating Fuels - A pre-buy contract sets a single price for the fuel you will use during the heating season, regardless of price swings. It’s important to note that this is a budget planning tool, not a guaranteed way to save money.
• Fuel Payment Budget Plans - Some fuel dealers may offer budget payment plans. Such plans spread heating costs more evenly over the year.

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