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If you find that these costs are spiraling out of control, applying to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) could save the day.

When your bills exceed your income, what’s the first thing you usually do? If it’s not looking for a loan or a second job, you start to seek ways to cut costs. And while spending less on luxuries like eating out or going to the movies can help, you may be overlooking your cooling and heating costs.

Does this mean you should stop using your AC or furnace to keep more cash in your pocket? No, as that could make your home extremely uncomfortable. Instead, it means that you should apply for LIHEAP benefits, as this trusty government program can help cover those cooling and heating costs, plus much more.

How To Keep Your Utility Bill Low

Before we jump into what LIHEAP does and how it works, let’s mention a few quick pointers for cutting your utility costs, as you’re about to find out that LIHEAP doesn’t cover everything on your bill.

For starters, put as much food in your fridge as will fit. For example, if you have extra room in there and a 12-pack of soda sitting outside, put all of the cans in the fridge. By filling it up, you get better insulation that can keep your fridge cool without using so much electricity.

Another simple energy-saving hack is to turn your stove off before you’re finished cooking. Just a minute or two can make a huge difference in your bill, and that built-up heat will be more than enough to ensure your food gets cooked as intended.

Lastly, unplug devices that you’re not using. While this may seem like an outdated tip, it prevents phantom energy that can amount to 75 percent of your usage.

How LIHEAP Can Lower Your Utility Bill

Since 1981, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has helped pay the cooling and heating costs of people in need. Not only can LIHEAP lower your monthly bill by taking care of those cooling and heating costs, but it can help you stack your savings via weatherization.

What is weatherization? Think of it as a home improvement method that improves energy efficiency. The more energy-efficient your home, the lower your bill can be, and that’s without sacrificing comfort.

Examples of weatherization include insulation installation, sealing doors and windows, and repair or replacement of your AC or furnace, if necessary.

Beyond paying for cooling and heating plus weatherization, LIHEAP can also help if you’ve been late in paying your utility bill. Instead of having your service shut off for nonpayment, LIHEAP can step in to ensure you’re good to go.

How To Get LIHEAP

If it sounds like LIHEAP can give your budget a big boost by lowering your out-of-pocket utility costs, go here to find your local office so you can learn more and apply. Your eligibility will be primarily based on income and need, and receiving assistance will depend on how much funding is available for the program.