Saturday, June 11, 2011

Worth County Community Services Offering Home Weatherization

You could qualify for Worth County CSI's free weatherization program for homes. There are limited federal funds available for this program.

Weatherization saves money by reducing energy use in households by making homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It also has the added benefit of creating safer, healthier, and more comfortable places to live.

Homes, apartments, duplexes, and mobile homes that are rented or owned can all qualify. Landlords must give permission for services and agree to pay a small fee. Some landlords have this fee waived if the situation warrants. CSI can assist applicants in contacting their landlords.

Certain income guidelines must be met. A single person can have a yearly income of $21,660. A family of two can have an income of $29,140; family of three, $36,620; family of four, $44,100; family of five, $51,580; family of six, $59,060; family of seven, $66,540; family of eight, $74,020; each additional family member adds $7,480.

Community Services' Weatherization Assistance Program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 with the goal of preserving and creating jobs and stimulating the economy. CSI uses their own crews or contracts the work with area businesses. Whenever possible, products are purchased from local manufacturers and suppliers. Weatherization can reduce energy consumption by as much as 25% or $450 per year.

Weatherization includes such things as repair, tune-up, or replacement of furnaces, weather stripping, replacement of old light bulbs to more efficient types, and insulation of hot water tanks, walls, floors, and attics. What will be done depends on the unique needs of each structure.

For more information, call Mary Jo Fletchall of Worth County Community Services at (660) 564-2182.

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