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The Weatherization program is available for both homeowners and renters who receive Fuel Assistance. Using local licensed contractors, the program provides free major improvements, such as attic and wall insulation, air sealing, and other energy-saving repairs.
Community Action technicians perform an energy audit of the home or apartment, assign a local conservation contractor, and inspect all work prior to the agency paying the contractor. If work is to be done on a rental property, Community Action, the landlord, and the tenant sign a three-party agreement.
Requests for Weatherization are taken as part of the Fuel Assistance application process, and customers are placed on a waiting list with priority given to homes with unusually high energy costs, or households that include elderly or handicapped residents, or children under the age of six. Customers are contacted when they are next on the list.
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DIY: Weatherize Your Home! |
Looking for a way to keep your home warmer this winter? Worried about heating costs? There are a lot of things that you can do yourself to save money when the cold weather hits!
- Have your heating system professionally checked once a year and change filters regularly to keep your unit running efficiently. Also, check your heating system's ductwork to ensure that it is well insulated.
- Make sure heating registers and vents are not blocked by draperies, furniture, rugs, or clothing. These vents should also be cleaned regularly with a vacuum or a broom.
- Instal weather stripping and caulk to seal up cracks and leaks in your home, especially near windows and doors.
- For every degree you lower your thermostat during the winter, you save between 3-5% on your heating bill. On average, you should set and keep the thermostat on a gas or electric heater at 68 degrees when the home is occupied, and 55 degrees at night or when it's unoccupied.
- A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your heat so you don't have to remember to change it, and can save you up to $100 a year.
- Take advantage of the sun's energy and warmth by removing window screens during the winter.
- Don't close doors or shut off registers in rooms. This puts added strain on your central heating system.
- If you notice little or no air coming from some registers - or that some rooms are colder than others - this could indicate a problem with the ducts.
- Open drapes and shades on sunny days to let in the sun's heat. Close them at night and on cloudy days.
- Place a small thermometer on the wall next to your thermostat and compare readings. If there's any difference between the readings, adjust your thermostat.
- Close outside doors as quickly as possible. Just a few seconds with the door open lets in a lot of cold air.
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More Weatherizing Tips & Resources |
This section is currently under construction. Apologies for any inconvenience.
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