Cold weather, warm house

There is nothing like coming home to a warm house after a long day out in the cold. To ensure that your heating system is ready for the cold weather ahead, it’s best to fire it up early, to make sure that it is working properly. If not, there will be time to repaire or replace it before the snow starts to fly.

If a costly repair is needed, you might instead consider replacing your furnace with a more efficient model. Not only will you save on energy costs, but you may also qualify for the $1,500 tax credit that is available through the end of the year on units with a 95 percent efficiency rating or better. Check out www.energystar.gov for more information.  

The Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC) has information to help residents make informed decisions about repairs, and is a great place to begin researching new furnace and boiler systems. In HRRC’s resource library, you’ll find handouts that explain different types of heating systems, including high-efficiency models. You may also look through collected evaluations of heating contractors, submitted by local residents.

HRRC’s Financial Assistance Program can help make a new furnace or boiler more affordable. Low- and moderate-income households may apply for a loan with no additional interest cost—and reduce the amount borrowed by $1,000 ($1,500 for seniors age 62 or older).

Home Repair Resource Center is located at 2520 Noble Road. For information, call 216-381-6100, or visit www.hrrc-ch.org.

Allison Urbanek is the financial programs counselor at Home Repair Resource Center and is enjoying her time meeting with Cleveland Heights residents. 

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Volume 3, Issue 11, Posted 10:32 AM, 10.18.2010