Weatherization

This program is designed to increase the energy efficiency of homes and thereby reduce energy consumption and costs.

This is a free program for those individuals or families who qualify. Homes must be able to be effectively weatherized with the types of materials allowed by federal standards and within cost limitations as imposed by federal or state regulations. Weatherization tasks include but are not limited to: attic insulation, wall insulation, foundation insulation, infiltration reduction, furance and water heater testing (repair and possible replacement), and other minor home repairs.

Community Action technicians perform an energy audit of the home or apartment, assign a local conservation contractor, and inspect all work prior to the agency paying the contractor. If work is to be done on a rental property, Community Action, the landlord, and the tenant sign a three-party agreement. Landlord leveraging is required on all rental property.

Homes will feel more comfortable and help keep your family healthy. Improved weatherization will help recipients keep cool during the summer and warm in the winter and reduce air leaks. It can also help reduce heating fuel bills.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for this assistance a family's home may not have been weatherized by the use of this program before. The family must apply in person at CAA and be income-eligible or download the weathization application, complete, sign and mail to Darlene Kramp, Community Action Agency, 302 Michigan St., Port Huron, MI 48060. Homeowners and renters both qualify if they are not living in an apartment complex or ineligible property.

Property that is ineligible includes homes which have received Weatherization assistance in the past and multi-unit condominiums. Income limits change annually so please call or visit CAA for answers to your questions.

How Do I Qualify?

Please see the chart on on the right. The numbers refer to the current year only but provide a guideline. Income figures reflect maximum allowable income to qualify based on family size.

What to Bring With You:

Proof of income for all household members in the residence, for the past 90 days (such as current pay stubs - year to date, Social Security Letters, DHS Assistance, etc.)
Proof of home ownership (warranty deed, quit claim deed or title)
Gas/heat bill with account number
Electric bill with account number

Easy, do-it-yourself tips

Looking for a way to keep your home warmer this winter? Worried about heating costs? There are a lot of things that you can do yourself to save money when the cold weather hits!

Have your heating system professionally checked once a year and change filters regularly to keep your unit running efficiently. Also, check your heating system's ductwork to ensure that it is well insulated.
Make sure heating registers and vents are not blocked by draperies, furniture, rugs, or clothing. These vents should also be cleaned regularly with a vacuum or a broom.
Instal weather stripping and caulk to seal up cracks and leaks in your home, especially near windows and doors.
For every degree you lower your thermostat during the winter, you save between 3-5% on your heating bill. On average, you should set and keep the thermostat on a gas or electric heater at 68 degrees when the home is occupied, and 55 degrees at night or when it's unoccupied.
A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your heat so you don't have to remember to change it, and can save you up to $100 a year.
Take advantage of the sun's energy and warmth by removing window screens during the winter.
Don't close doors or shut off registers in rooms. This puts added strain on your central heating system.
If you notice little or no air coming from some registers - or that some rooms are colder than others - this could indicate a problem with the ducts.
Open drapes and shades on sunny days to let in the sun's heat. Close them at night and on cloudy days.
Place a small thermometer on the wall next to your thermostat and compare readings. If there's any difference between the readings, adjust your thermostat.
Close outside doors as quickly as possible. Just a few seconds with the door open lets in a lot of cold air
Install rubber gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls
Wash only full loads of clothes
Turn off lights in rooms you are not using

Weatherization Program - Income Guidelines

Family Size Annual Income

At or below 200% of poverty limits

Family
    Size               Income
     1                   $22,911
     2                   $29,961
     3                   $37,060
     4                   $44,700
     5                   $52,340
     6                   $59,980
     7                   $67,620
     8                   $75,260

home repairs

For Information Contact:

Darlene Kramp
Weatherization Supervisor
810-455-6418