A steady, heavy rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 46F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..
Tonight
A steady, heavy rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 46F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
As cold air and frost return to the Columbia River Gorge, so do higher heating bills. This year, there’s more help available to keep your home warm and your energy bills down.  Â
Energy Trust of Oregon is a nonprofit that makes energy-saving home improvement projects easier and more affordable. That includes connecting you to trusted contractors in Hood River and The Dalles, offering DIY tips and resources, and lowering the cost of energy-saving upgrades like windows and heating systems.Â
Help your home hold onto heatÂ
If you deal with drafty rooms during the winter or parts of your home never seem to warm up, too much of your heat may be heading outside. Energy Trust can help you make a few changes to keep the heat in and save you money. Â
·      Adding insulation. Think of insulation like a sweater for your home. Having enough insulation in your attic and walls keeps the warm air your heating system creates inside, meaning your system works less and you spend less on energy. Energy Trust cuts the cost of floor, attic and wall insulation by as much as 50%. You can install the insulation yourself or with the help of a contractor who determine the right amount of insulation you need and make sure you receive Energy Trust incentives.Â
·      Sealing leaks. Adding weatherstripping or caulk to any gaps or cracks around doors and windows is an easy weekend project that keeps the warm air in and helps you save all winter long. Check out these DIY tips and video showing you the tools you’ll need and how to install.  Â
·      Checking your filters. If the air filter in your heating system is clogged, it means your system has to work harder, using more energy. Check your furnace or heat pump filter regularly and clean or replace them as needed. Here are some photos and tips showing how to find and clean the filters.Â
Other ways to save this winterÂ
·      Resist the urge to crank up the heat. Small adjustments to the thermostat can make a big difference. Keeping your thermostat between 65 and 68 degrees when you're home and turning it down a few degrees at night or when you're away can help keep your energy use consistent.Â
·      Try a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can automatically adjust your home's temperature based on your daily schedule, helping you save. Energy Trust offers instant discounts on eligible models. You can pick them up at participating stores or order them online.Â
·      Find out which projects make the most sense for your home. Not sure which improvements would make the biggest difference? Energy Trust's free, 20-minute online home energy assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your home and energy use.
To explore a complete list of ways to lower costs, DIY resources and local Gorge-area contractors, visit www.energytrust.org.
About Energy Trust of Oregon  
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit created to help people, organizations, and communities save energy and connect to renewable power like solar. Funded by customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista, Energy Trust services lower energy costs and help communities and utilities achieve their clean energy goals and build a strong future for Oregon. Learn more at www.energytrust.org/residential/incentives.    
