I know it’s hot as blazes, (it’s been around 100 in Oregon) but this is actually a good time to think about your home’s energy use during the winter. Right now there are programs available for low-income families that can help to weatherize your home so that once fall and winter come your home will stay warmer and your wallet fuller as you save energy.
Saving home energy and conserving resources can be expensive if you need to make changes to your home. However, The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) offers a Weatherization Assistance Program that, in the last 32 years has provided assistance to more than 6.2 million families. The Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. How the program works is, “Weatherization service providers install energy efficiency measures in the homes of qualifying homeowners free of charge. These are not expensive upgrades—the average expenditure limit is $2,826 per home—but they are effective, and energy savings pay for the upgrades within a few years.”
Savings to you: On average, weatherization of your home reduces your heating bills by 32% and overall energy bills by about $350 per year at current prices.
Are you eligible?
The DOE estimates that around 20 to 30 million U.S. families are eligible for services. Home owners and renters may qualify and if you get Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children than you are automatically eligible. Preference is given to those 60 years or older, families who have one or more members with disabilities, and families with children. Mainly they’ll go by your income to see if you qualify. If you are eligible you may get things like a microwave for low energy cooking, a wrapped water heater and more.
Contact your local state weatherization program to see if you are eligible and to learn how to apply.
If you can’t get assistance through the DOE you might qualify for:
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Many local energy suppliers offer assistance programs. Programs vary greatly though so contact your local provider and ask about consumer assistance in paying your bill.
