Home heating tips

Financial Assistance

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) helps low-income households meet home energy needs.
United Way 211 connects people to resources for paying heat, electricity, and other utility bills.
Project Home WI provides help with weatherization, like air sealing and insulation. This can make a big difference to make your home safer and lower your utility bills.

Furnace: Make sure that your furnace is working properly. Inspect furnace flues, pipes, and chimneys. Contact Madison Gas and Electric, Alliant Energy, or a heating contractor if you have questions.
Smoke alarms: Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Wisconsin requires a smoke alarm on each floor level. A smoke alarm should also be installed next to your furnace.
Carbon monoxide alarms: In homes with gas furnaces, carbon monoxide detectors are strongly recommended.
Filters: Change filters at the beginning of the heating season. Then, check them monthly to make sure there is adequate air flow.

Make sure the water line to outside faucets is off, the hoses disconnected, and the line drained.
Prevent frozen pipes. The Red Cross has tips for preventing and thawing frozen pipes.
If you will be away from home for several days, keep your home heated to at least 65°F. Have a friend check your house to make sure it is warm enough to keep your pipes from freezing.
If you will be away from home for a long time, you can also shut off and drain your entire water system. Consider having the water shut off at the street, removing the water meter, and draining the plumbing.

If you believe your pipes have frozen, turn off the water at the main valve to your home and call a plumber.

If a pipe bursts and you cannot shut your water off, contact Water Utility. After-hours emergency number: 608-266‑4665.