Rising energy costs will have a major impact on the family budget this winter. This is especially true for low-income families who spend 13 to 20 percent of their household income on utilities. Now is the time to evaluate your home to determine how to reduce your heating bills. Below are several things you can do that cost nothing, or very little, and will result in a more energy efficient home and lower utility bills.

1. Lower the thermostat two degrees from where you usually set it.

2. Turn the thermostat down to 60 – 65 degrees when you are sleeping. The Department of Energy estimates that you can save 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills just by turning the thermostat down 10 to 15 percent for eight hours at nighttime.

3. Minimize the use bathroom and kitchen fans. Did you know that in a little over an hour, a bathroom fan can suck the heated air out of the average sized house?

4. Shut the fireplace damper when the fireplace is not in use. Close to eight percent of the heat air in your home can escape when the damper is open.

5. Close the heating vents in rooms you don’t use regularly.

6. Put up drapes to add an extra layer of insulation. Keep them closed at night to retain heat and open on sunny days to let the heat in.

7. Lower the temperature on your water heater to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Use less heated water by taking shorter showers and washing clothes in cold water.

9. Seal air leaks around windows and doors using caulk or weatherstripping.

10. Install storm windows. If that is too costly, invest in a plastic window insulating kit sold in hardware stores.

11. Keep your heating system in good repair and clean or replace the filter regularly.

12. Insulate hot water pipes and ducts that run through unheated areas.

13. Add insulation to the attic, basement, floors and exterior walls.

14. Invest in a tankless hot water heater.

15. Upgrade your home with ENERGY STAR products. 16. Contact your utility company to schedule a home energy audit.

Singles recognized Christian Singles Recognition will be held at Newberry Missionary Baptist Church during regular worship service on Sun., Feb. 14 at 10:15 a.m. Unity color is red or pink. The public is invited. Rev. Willie J. White is pastor.

NAACP banquet

The Lincoln County NAACP Branch #5213 Banquet will be held at 7 p.m., February 27 at The Lincoln Center.

Tickets are on sale and the deadline to purchase is February 12. For more information please call 706-359- 4765 or 706-359-3004.

Black History Gala

First Baptist Church will hold its Black History Gala celebration in honor of our first black mayor, Henry Brown at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21.

Mayor Burns will be our guest speaker. A very inspiring celebration is planned and everyone is invited to attend.

Valentine Dance

American Legion Post 194 will host a Valentine dance as the post home on Saturday, Feb. 13 beginning at 9 p.m. Ramblin Country will be performing. For information call 706- 359-3445.

Men’s program

St. Luke Baptist Church will have a men’s fellowship program at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 20. for all men, young men and boys. Rev. F. D. Favors and the Springfield Baptist Church of Thomson, Georgia will be in charge of the service. There will be a fish fry after the program. Rev. Alvin Rivers is pastor.

Donations welcomed

The Lincoln County Food Pantry welcomes contributions. Your donations are tax deductible. You may mail your contributions to: The Lincoln County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 473, Lincolnton, GA 30817.