Do you qualify for the Federal Weatherization Assistance Program?
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says weatherization—the process of sealing air leaks and properly insulating a home—can produce an average energy savings of $358 per year. Most people would like to save energy dollars by making their home more efficient, but not everyone can afford the improvements.
As a result of the federal stimulus package, the DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program is expanding with a goal of weatherizing one million low-income homes per year. Households with incomes at or below 200% of the national poverty level are eligible. For a family of 4, that’s an income limit of $44,100.
Each house has different needs; the stimulus bill allows an average of $6,500 to be spent on each home. Program participants receive a professional energy consultation with an analysis of energy bills, a blower-door test to locate air leaks and advice on how to be more efficient. Workers then arrive to make energy upgrades like insulating walls and roofs, sealing air leaks, and installing more efficient heating and cooling systems. For details, visit www.eere.energy.gov/weatherization.
How To Apply
The Florida Weatherization Assistance Program annually provides grant funds to community action agencies, local governments, Indian tribes and non-profit agencies to provide specific program services for low-income families of Florida. These entities provide program services throughout the state.
Eligible Applicants
The total household income may not be more than 50 percent above the national poverty level. Preference is given to owner-occupied homes, elderly (60 years-plus) or physically disabled residents, families with children under 12 and households with a high energy burden (repeated high utility bills).
Qualifying Income Levels
- Family of 1 – $21,660
- Family of 2 – $29,140
- Family of 3 – $36,620
- Family of 4 – $44,100
- Family of 5 – $51,580
- Family of 6 – $59,060
Types of Assistance
- Repair or replace inefficient heating and cooling units
- Address air infiltration with weather stripping, caulking, thresholds, minor
- repairs to walls, ceilings and floors, and window and door replacement
- Install attic and floor insulation (floors in northern Florida counties only)
- Repair or replace water heaters
- Install solar screens
- Apply solar reflective coating to manufactured homes
Install attic ventilation
To apply for the program, contact: Community Action Program Committee, 1380 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32591, at (850) 438-4021. You can visit the Community Action Program Committee website. CAPC serves Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.