Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program has been funded primarily by the Federal Department of Energy since 1979. Additional funding is also provided by the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Low-income homeowners and renters are provided services such as weather-stripping, caulking, and insulation of attics, walls and crawl spaces. The goal of the Weatherization Assistance Program is to lower energy costs to the individual thereby freeing up precious income that can be applied toward another living expense or to make paying the high energy bills more attainable through energy efficiency measures.
A great deal of technology is involved with testing the homes and developing a “game plan” under this program. An extensive energy audit is performed on each home along with a “Blower Door Test,” which indicates the number of air changes per hour in a given dwelling. A house that is too tight can cause indoor air quality problems, and may result in respiratory ailments; while a house that is not tight enough will allow too much cold air infiltration. We examine and test the efficiency of the heating units in a home, and also test for the amount of carbon monoxide in the ambient air of the home. A compilation of all of these tests then determines what weatherization measures will be installed in a home, based upon the savings to investment ratio.
Eligibility for this program is based on the gross income of all household members. Written verification of income and home ownership or rental status is required. Please call 1-800-562-9762 for more information.