Weatherization

Mission Statement

To reduce energy costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.

Synopsis

The Weatherization program is based on a home assessment to determine improvements which can be made to make the home more- energy efficient. This may include air sealing; the repair or replacement of doors, windows, or heating systems and addressing health and safety issues within the home environment. Any improvements are based on a computer generated audit from the home assessment.

Who Qualifies?

A low income dwelling unit is eligible for Weatherization if a family unit occupies it whose income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

How Do I Qualify?

The client must meet the Dept Of Energy guidelines and be placed on a waiting list. Priority will be given to households in which one of the following individuals reside in the home.

• Blind
• Disabled
• Elderly (60 years or older)
• Child (5 years or younger)

What to Bring With You to Your Appointment?

• Application.
• Income verification for each person living in the home.
• Disability letter ( if applicable )
• Copy of deed to property.
• Copy of previous 12 months utility bills.
• Rental Agreement signed by Landlord ( if applicable )

Energy Savings Tips

LIFT CAA offers the following tips to help families save significantly on energy costs this winter and every season.

• Replace the filters once a month to maintain an adequate and clean air flow and in turn reduce energy costs.
• Keep registers and vents free of dust, dirt and other blockages.  If you have rooms that are not used often, keep their registers and doors closed; doing so will save your system from heating or cooling unused rooms.
• Add or replace insulation.  Appropriate insulation can save you up to 30 percent on your heating bill, according to the Alliance to Save Energy.  Insulation of your attic, floors, exterior walls, crawl spaces, and around outlets on exterior walls can help prevent energy loss. Be sure to choose high quality, non-toxic materials, and replace matted or torn insulation to maximize its effectiveness.
• Replace or add caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors.  Your home may have small openings around doors and windows that allow for heated air loss.  Caulking and weather stripping can reduce energy waste and protect your home from moisture damage.
• Install ceiling fans.  A ceiling fan will help more evenly distribute warm and cool air generated by your heat pump, furnace, or A/C unit throughout the year.
• Attic fans or vents can keep hot or cold air from being trapped in your attic.
• If you need to buy new appliances, buy the most energy efficient models you can afford.  Look for household appliances that have earned the Energy Star.  These products have met the guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, households that replace existing equipment Energy Star qualified products can cut annual energy bills by as much as 30 percent, or more than $450 per year.
• Install low flow water fixtures such as those with the EPA’s Watersense label or by installing faucet aerators.  These fixtures are designed to use less water without compromising performance, and can help save on the energy costs involved in water heating.
• Install storm windows and storm doors with screens.  Storm doors and windows can reduce wasted energy by serving as an added barrier to your outdoor environment.
• Try not to keep the thermostat too high in winter.  Keep the thermostat between 68-70 degrees in the cooler winter months.  For each degree you lower your thermostat, you can save up to five percent on the heating portion of your energy bill.
• Turn out lights not in use to save energy and money.
• Let Mother Nature light your home.  Sunlight is often brighter than bulbs, and it is free.  Open window treatments during the day to allow light in; close them at night to keep heat in your home.
• Dress appropriately no matter season, so you can keep your thermostat at the lowest comfortable setting in the winter.
• Shut off the water while you brush your teeth, wash dishes by hand, or do other household chores.  Turning of the water while you brush your teeth alone can save as much as four gallons a minute, according to Water-Use it Wisely.
• Run your washer or dishwasher only when they are full. According to Water-Use it Wisely, doing so could save as much as 1,000 gallons of water a month per household.
• Plan your family meals each week so that you make one trip to the grocery store per week.  This will save gas money in the long run.
• Try cooking with the lids on your pots to save time and conserve energy used when cooking. This is especially effective when trying to boil water.
• Use a microwave or toaster oven to heat smaller portions, rather than a conventional oven.
• Close the refrigerator door completely to conserve energy.  The refrigerator is one of the most used appliances in a household because it runs 24 hours a day.
• Do not leave doors and windows open when the heat or air conditioning are running.
• Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees.