January 2006 News	News page		Archive
A home weatherization program employee at work making a home more energy efficient.

The Home Weatherization Assistance Program helps families reduce heating and cooling costs by increasing efficient energy use. By analyzing a home's energy efficiency, staff can install insulation and weather stripping or take other measures to reduce the family's heating and cooling costs while increasing their comfort. As a result of the Home Weatherization Assistance Program, households experience energy efficiency, and health and safety gains.

Washington-Morgan Community Action has operated the Home Weatherization Assistance Program since 1975. On average, 6 homes are weatherized each month. To be eligible for the Home Weatherization Program, household income for the past twelve months must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.

To apply for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program, you must complete an application. Applications can be obtained and/or completed at the Housing and Transportation Office located at 698 Wayne Street, Marietta. Applications can also be obtained at the main office of Washington-Morgan Community Action at 218 Putnam Street or at the Morgan County office located at 50 Main Street, Malta. When completing an application, proof of income, social security numbers, and date of birth must be included for all household members. An application must also include a copy of the utility bills (gas and/or electric) and the deed to the house or trailer. A person applying for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program does not need to own the home or trailer. The Home Weatherization staff may be able work with the landlord.

The goal of the Home Weatherization Program is to make improvements to the home that should:

• Reduce the amount of energy used to heat and cool the home in turn decreasing heating and cooling bills
• Increase comfort and
• Conserve energy.

Every home has different needs when it comes to improving energy efficiency. The Home Weatherization Assistance Program inspector will determine the most cost- effective weatherization services needed for the home. Service to the home includes performing a safety inspection and making minor repairs to the furnace. Air leakage in the home is reduced by caulking and weather stripping or making minor repairs where needed. Insulation is installed in the attic, sidewalls, floors and to the hot water heater if needed. These improvements will ensure that the furnace is operating safely and increase efficiency. By caulking and weather stripping, cold air will be prevented from coming in and warm air will be prevented from going out.

The Home Weatherization Assistance Program improvements are done to the home at no cost to the home or trailer owner. If a landlord agrees to proceed with the program, the landlord must agree to not to raise the rent for the work performed and, if the property is sold within a year of the completion of the weatherization services, the landlord will be required to reimburse the program.

When weatherization of a home is complete, in most cases 15% to 20% of energy is saved in comparison to the previous year. Grants from the Ohio Department of Development Office of Energy Efficiency make it possible for Washington-Morgan Community Action to provide the Home Weatherization Program.

Below are tips on how to increase energy efficiency:

• Keep the home clean---clean dust and lint from grills and heating outlets regularly
• Check furnace filters monthly to ensure the filter is clean; if dirty replace
• Repair roof leaks
• Make sure refrigerator gaskets are not worn, torn or hardened; Replace when needed
• Keep the motor coils of the refrigerator free from dust and lint
• Keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees or below
• Set back the thermostat when you are not at home and at night
• Have a qualified service person perform a furnace evaluation
• Reduce the thermostat on your hot water tank to 120 degrees
• Wash clothes in a full load and use cold water
• Reduce shower time
• Reduce the amount of water used for a bath
• Fix leaky faucets
• Turn out lights when not in a room
• Clean light bulbs and fixtures