Affordable Utilities in this Environment

The sweltering summer temperatures will have an impact on your utility bills. The record snow fall probably impacted them too. Here’s what you can do about it!

Maintenance 
Utility bills peak in summer and winter, being mindful of increased usage is the first step of limiting the impact of harsh weather on your bill. Every Spring and Fall, tending to home maintenance chores, including weatherization, can help boost the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems and lower your bill. Weatherization protects your home and your wallet!

The Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC) has compiled a helpful Homeowners Maintenance Manual that has a suggested maintenance schedule for Spring & Fall. It also provides an overview of common household systems, including heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical. 

If your income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for the Pennsylvania Weatherization Assistance Program. It provides an energy audit and free weatherization services. In Philadelphia, PHDC manages the program, for other counties, connect with your county’s weatherization agency. 

Billing
Utility companies provide internal assistance and billing plans to help manage payments. Budget billing plans, such as PECO’s CAP, protect users from bill surges. Some programs are income-dependent, but not all. Philadelphians can easily identify cost saving billing options and apply for assistance by connecting with your nearest Neighborhood Energy Center.

If you fall behind on your utility bills, a lien may be placed on your home. If you are facing hardship paying your bills and mortgage in Philadelphia, call the Save Your Home Hotline at 215-334-HOME (4663).

Affording Upgrades
It is common for homeowners to use equity to afford home systems upgrades. A Home Equity Loan (HEL) or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) are common loan products used for repairs and upgrades. However, if you take out one of these loans and fall behind on payments, the bank may foreclose on your home. 

If you’re considering a HEL or HELOC, you can meet with a housing counselor to discuss your budget and other financing options. For example, Philadelphia’s Restore, Repair & Renew loan program is also an affordable option to finance both system upgrades and other home repairs, and is not a traditional lien. For free budget counseling, call AHCOPA at 215-765-1221. You can learn more about all these programs at AHCOPA’s workshop for current homeowners, Homeownership Success. 

Register for a Homeownership Success Workshop

Summer & Winter Tips

Naara Silva

Naara serves at AHCOPA as a second year AmeriCorps VISTA in the Housing Action Corps