Help is available for low-income Michigan residents who need help winterizing their homes. It might still feel like summer, but winter is on its way, and along with it, high heating costs. Winterization can help reduce household energy costs.
Blue Water Community Action is the provider of the winterization service in St. Clair County. Those who sign up for the program will have trained energy auditors use energy audit software and advanced diagnostic equipment to create a comprehensive energy analysis of their homes.
After analysis, the most cost-effective ways to reduce heating costs are then determined and trained contractors install the energy-efficient health and safety improvements. Examples of improvements are insulation, air sealing, lighting upgrades, and water-saving measures. Safety issues like CO2 exposure, ventilation problems, and system efficiency are also addressed. Improved health outcomes like reduced asthma triggers have been attained with the program.
There are income eligibility requirements and homes must be in adequate condition to handle the upgrades.
Anyone interested in applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program can contact their local provider.
More information about home energy savings can be found by visiting the websites below that cover:
Air Sealing your home.
Energy Efficiency Tips from Consumers Energy.
The Energy Saver Guide from Energy.gov.
Twenty-five Quick and Easy Energy Saving Tips from Direct Energy.
Energy Efficiency Tips for Renters and Homeowners from Energy.gov.
Training for those working in the Weatherization Assistance Program is provided by the Michigan Training and Education Center. For more information about the training, visit www.MichiganTEC.org.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
