This may be the winter of our discontent – the prelude is the impending fuel prices. Last week, we took a look at what we used last year and it was around 600 gallons. The price began at about $1.85 in November and ended at a little over $1.90 in April. Maybe there’s more oil in the tank than we think – perhaps the gauge is wrong! At any rate, the price of oil, or wood or gas is sure to make a dent in already dented budgets.

There’s a Web site (maineoil.com) that shows the current oil prices in Maine, if dealers choose to post their price on the site. In the Greater Portland area, prices range from $2.13 to $2.30 and up, but the “major players” aren’t shown. In the Downeast part of the state, prices are beginning at $2.40 and up to $2.60 and more – that is, as of Sunday, Sept. 11.

Christmas wish lists will include flannel sheets and pajamas, and maybe a stocking cap! Definitely mittens!

Some senior citizens are living in places where the heat is included in the rent, but many are not. We’ll all have to use our sharpest wits, and call on old habits to save energy this year.

If you are planning to burn wood, take advantage of a free visit from one of the local firemen and have them check out your stove. If you’re buying a new (or used) stove, again, call the Fire Department and have them stop by to make sure it’s installed safely. There is no charge for this service and as they say, better to be safe than have to have a fire. Make sure the chimney is in a safe condition, too. If you’re buying wood, make sure you check around for the best price and get dry wood. Old-timers will know all of this, but if you’re new at burning wood, it’s best to get some advice. Call 892-1911, the Fire Department business office, for more information.

The LIHEAP (or Fuel Assistance) program is administered locally by PROP (People’s Regional Opportunity Program) in Portland. Last year, in Windham, PROP had an office at the Human Services Building, and local folks could make appointments and go there to fill out applications. When I called the PROP office in Portland this week, I was told by a recording that those who completed an application last year will receive a card in the mail this year, giving locations where people could apply. Otherwise, you can call 842-2988 and listen to the recording, following instructions. There are two different departments – one for those who made out an application last year, and one for those who did not. It’s a lot of red tape to go through, but if you can get a refund it is worth it. Paperwork you need to accumulate for this is a record of your income for the last three months (or a year), copies of utility bills, name of fuel supplier and account number, names and Social Security numbers of people living in your dwelling and proof of address.

It may seem like a lot of information being distributed, is “old hat” or things you already know, but if there is just one suggestion you hadn’t heard of, or a reminder about something you thought you’d never need to do again – if it saves energy (and of course money) then it’s worth repeating:

– Replace furnace filters a few times during the winter. This isn’t difficult and filters are not expensive.

– If you have an electric stove, use lids when cooking and you won’t have to cook as long; also use the lowest setting you can, and still have the food cook; keep the oven clean.

– Make use of those door draft stopper “snakes” that you got years ago for presents. Or roll up a small blanket and place them against exterior doors to prevent drafts coming in.

– Remember the basic fact – heat rises. Cold drafts coming in under doors push the heat up to the ceiling where you really don’t want it.

– Even if you have storm windows, caulking around the frames will prevent cold coming in. Use insulated draperies if you can find them. Let the sun in during the day and close the curtains when it’s dark. Keep doors shut in rooms not used.

– Learn to cook in the microwave – it uses much less electricity than a stove. And when you bake something in the oven, bake another dish at the same time. If it’s the same temperature, this works – brownies and a meatloaf at one time, not two separate bakings.

– Wear sweat pants and an extra sweater. Wear socks and slippers (with non-skid soles).

– Keep walls from transmitting cold by placing bookcases or shelves against the outside walls and keep them full!

– If you have an old foundation, pile bags of leaves against it and let the snow cover them, making a nice blanket between cold air and your house.

– Insulate water pipes and get those plug-in things for your wall receptacles in the house.

– Nice wooden hardwood or vinyl floors look wonderful, but can be cold. Use rugs and make sure they’re secured.

– Weatherstrip around exterior doors. Cover the glass in these doors with clear plastic.

Send us your suggestions – or ideas for saving energy. (Visiting friends in Florida doesn’t count!). We welcome readers’ input.