Steadfast Mechanical is encouraging Valparaiso-area households facing higher winter energy bills to review Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program, open through April 30.
Valparaiso, IN (PRUnderground) November 10th, 2026
With Northwest Indiana heading into its coldest months and heating bills climbing, Steadfast Mechanical is encouraging Valparaiso-area households that may struggle with winter energy costs to look into Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program before the season’s hardest weather arrives.
Steadfast Mechanical, a Valparaiso company providing hvac services valparaiso homeowners and businesses rely on, said the first sustained cold snap is often when families notice both higher bills and furnaces that are struggling to keep up.
According to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, applications for the 2027 program year opened October 1, 2026, and are accepted through April 30, 2027. The program helps eligible households with heating and electric bills through a one-time annual benefit paid directly to the utility.
IHCDA says households at or below 60 percent of the state median income may qualify, including some renters whose utilities are included in their rent. Residents can apply online or work with their Local Service Provider for in-person help, paper applications or phone appointments.
The agency also notes that, under Indiana law, a regulated utility may not disconnect residential service to an eligible applicant from December 1 through March 15, and it encourages applicants who are scheduled for disconnection to notify their utility that they have applied. IHCDA cautions that the benefit will not cover all annual energy costs and that households should continue paying their bills.
“Nobody should be sitting in a cold house because they didn’t know help was out there,” said Kris Knies, owner of Steadfast Mechanical. “If money is tight this winter, apply early. And if the furnace is running constantly and the house still feels cold, have someone look at it before that becomes a bigger problem.”
The company said a furnace that short-cycles, makes new noises or leaves rooms unevenly heated is worth checking before a cold night turns it into an emergency. When a system is near the end of its life, furnace replacement valparaiso homeowners plan ahead of time is usually less disruptive than one done during a breakdown.
Winter is also a practical time to plan for the cooling season. Homeowners whose air conditioners struggled last summer can schedule air conditioning repair services valparaiso work or a system evaluation during the off-season, the company said.
For older systems, the company recommends replacing heating and cooling equipment together when it makes sense. An ac installation in valparaiso in can be planned alongside furnace work so both pieces of equipment are properly matched.
Business owners face the same winter pressures on a larger scale. For offices, shops and other facilities, Commercial HVAC Installation Valparaiso projects are often scheduled around business hours to keep operations running, the company said.
“A lot of what we see in January could have been caught in November,” Knies said. “Change the filter, keep the vents clear, and call if something doesn’t sound or feel right.”
Steadfast Mechanical offers complimentary estimates and can be reached at (219) 713-9625.
About Steadfast Mechanical
Steadfast Mechanical is a heating and air conditioning company based in Valparaiso, Indiana, serving homeowners and businesses across Northwest Indiana. The company provides furnace and air conditioning repair, maintenance, installation and replacement, as well as commercial HVAC services.
Media contact: Kris Knies, Steadfast Mechanical, (219) 312-5744, kris@steadfastnwi.com
