BY SAMANTHA CHANEY
CAMBRIDGE – The fall season brings changing leaves, shorter days and, in the Boston area, one controversial question: When do you turn on the heat?
By law, landlords in Massachusetts must provide a heating system that can heat to a minimum of 68 degrees during the day and 64 degrees at night from September 15 to June 15.
“We’re going to try to make it until November,” said Cambridge resident Hannah Edmonds. “I feel like it’s almost going to be a competition just to see how long we can keep going.”
DIY-friendly solutions
Heating costs in Massachusetts are the driving factor behind people waiting to turn on their heat. That’s why Boston Building Resources, a local nonprofit, offers workshops throughout the year that teach homeowners how to heat and improve their homes without spending a lot of money.
“There are many solutions that are affordable and DIY-friendly. You just have to do your research,” says Deb Beatty Mel, assistant director at the nonprofit.
Using draft excluder kits is just one way Mel teaches homeowners to eliminate uncomfortable drafts.
“We’ve had people say, I’ve got a draft and it’s coming out of my socket. Who would think cold air would come in? But there are even sealants you can put behind the switch plate,” Mel said.
She says the possibilities are endless. “It makes sense to take some time to walk around and feel where those cold spots might be,” Mel said.
After all, it’s worth saving some money.
