Weatherization Assistance Programs
We all know that we need to make sure our homes are properly weatherized in order to save money, keep your family comfortable, and save our resources.
What if you want to make positive changes but can’t afford it? Most changes you can make to save energy and conserve resources are inexpensive but when you add all the changes you should be making up it can be a drain on your budget. This time of year it’s especially hard to scrape together extra money because you also want your family to have a nice holiday which may mean time off from work.
There are organizations that can help your family.
The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) offers a Weatherization Assistance Program that, in the last 3 decades, has provided weatherization services to more than 5.5 million low-income families. 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.”
The DOE estimates that around 20 to 30 million U.S. families are eligible for services. Both home owners and renters can apply. If you receive Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children than you are automatically eligible. Preference is also given to those 60 years or older, families who have one or more members with disabilities, and families with children. The criteria varies from state to state. You can see if your income is eligible by visiting the DOE guidelines page. While you may be eligible there is also a waiting list for services so the sooner you contact your state agency and apply the better.
If you can’t get assistance through the above program you might be able to get help from:
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Most local branches of energy suppliers offer assistance programs locally. For instance if you pay gas, water, and electric like me it can add up fast. You can contact your local provider and ask about consumer assistance in paying your bill plus get ideas on how to save money on your bill. Another reason to contact your local providers is if you’re moving. Some areas drain more energy naturally. If you ask your local electric company can tell you the average bills per month per area where you live. Sometimes they can even break it down per home. My friend rented a house and later (after super high energy bills) contacted her electric company and it turns out there was some sort of issue with wiring and building so it can pay to check before you choose a home.
Every family deserves a warm house and the lowest energy costs possible and the resources above can help.
Tags: department_of_energy, doe, energy_efficiency_measures, energy_savings, expenditure_limit, extra_money, low_income_families, positive_changes, Save Energy, service_providers, tree hugging family, weatherization_assistance_programRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Earth Friendly Living Ideas, Energy, Low-Cost Services, Save Energy, Save Money, Seasons
1 opinion for Weatherization Assistance Programs
Julie
Dec 17, 2007 at 6:24 pm
One thing you might share with your readers is the way many companies handle HEAP payments. In 2005 I was out of work and on disability. My income was slashed considerably and we needed HEAP to help keep our gas on. HEAP covered a $400 bill one month, then sent another payment in for us the next month. When we recieved our regular monthly bill, the gas company had bumped our bill up to exactly what HEAP had paid. Our bill, in the SUMMER was $485. National Fuel in Western New York is notorious for this. We still ended up losing our gas service because of their business practices. This year we are switching to wood heat just to never need gas again.
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