"We burnt wood like crazy trying to stay warm. There was so much air that wouldn't circulate, it was tough, tough to stay warm," she said.

In the winter Knotts only used the two rooms closest to the wood burner. Now, her house is being winterized by North Central Community Action.

"The weatherization program was established to help lower fuel bills and allow people to live in comfortable safe environments," said Leanna Bickel of Community Action .

The organization dose insulation work, fixes windows and doors, replaces or repairs heating systems; any work to help low income, disabled, or senior citizens lower their heating bills.

"A few homes have seen 50 percent of their heat bill cut," Bickel said.

But, if you want the free winterization, there is a waiting list. Bickel said every family who's home was winterized, decided it was worth the wait.

There will be help from energy companies this winter. Rates for heating your home, electric and gas, will not rise. But, increased use still makes paying the bills difficult and Allegheny Power says they work with customers to help pay their bills.

Allan Staggers from Allegheny Power said "we always advise our customers to call if they are going to get behind." They help customers get set up with state and federal financial aid.

If you want to take advantage of the aid that's available just contact your local Department of Health and Human Resources office, energy company, or Community Action group. They can point you in the right direction.