Weatherization aid available for low-income families

Low-income families can apply for financial assistance to weatherize their homes up to $6,500 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The aid is for families making up to about $44,000 per year in the continental United States, $55,140 per year in Alaska and $50,720 in Hawaii. Families won’t be given the money. Rather, local contractors will be paid by a state-level administering agency. Five billion dollars is allocated for the program, which operates under the U.S. Department of Energy. The agency expects weatherization to save the average family 32 percent on their energy bill ($350 per year, depending on fuel prices), support at least 8,000 technical jobs in low-income communities, and increase the value of weatherized housing stock, among other things.

Weatherization may include insulation, sealed leaks, and modernized heating and air conditioning equipment. For those interested in applying for weatherization, find out qualification requirements and more information at http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/apply.cfm