Bureau
of Weatherization:
Questions and Answers |
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What
happens after I contact the agency?
1. The agency will schedule an appointment with you to take your application.
They will tell you what information you should bring with you.
Note:
Your application for Weatherization is also an application for
the LIHEAP (energy assistance) Program.
2. Upon taking your application, the agency will then determine if your household
is income-eligible.
3. If you are determined to be income-eligible, your name will be placed on
the Weatherization waiting list.
4. When
you are contacted by the agency, a trained agency staff person
will look at your home to see what can be done to make it more
energy efficient.
Weatherization
services differ with each home depending on how it was built
and its condition.
Some common
weatherization services include:
- Adding
insulation to the attic, walls and/or floors. If insulation
is added, holes may be drilled in the siding and vents may
be added to the roof. These measures will reduce the amount
of heat being lost through the walls, ceiling and floors.
- The combustion
appliances (heating systems, water heaters, stoves) will be
safety-checked to ensure that they are not putting off too
much carbon monoxide. If they are, depending upon your circumstance,
the program may replace your appliance. This will ensure that
health and safety problems are not created by tightening up
your house.
- Your heating
system may be cleaned and tuned, repaired, retrofitted, and
in some cases, replaced.
- Energy efficient
lighting will be installed.
5. Once your
home has been weatherized, an agency inspector will visit your
home and verify that the work was done completely and professionally.
In addition, the inspector will answer any questions that you
may have as well as instruct you on energy-saving measures you
can take to make your home even more energy-efficient.
What
doesn't the program cover? Return
to Top
- Rarely do
we replace windows and doors
- We will not
paint your house
- General fix-up
work on your home
- Yard work
- House cleaning
- Roof replacements
What
does this service cost me? Return
to Top
This assistance
is provided at no cost to you. The weatherization work is paid
for with federal and utility funds. This work and your own efforts
will help to lower your heating, cooling and electrical costs.
Who
does the weatherization work? Return
to Top
The work on
your home will be done by qualified contractors or agency crew
members. The weatherization contractor or crew members will contact
you to set up the day and time they will begin the work which
will usually take about 5 days. It will be your responsibility
to make timely arrangements with the contractor/crew member to
give them access to your home so they can complete the work.
Normal working hours for the contractors/crew members are 8:00am
to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. You will need to make your home
accessible to them during these hours.
Who
does the furnace work? Return
to Top
A qualified
furnace contractor will perform the heating system work. The
furnace contractor will contact you to set up the day and time
work will begin. It will be your responsibility to make timely
arrangements with the contractor to give them access to your
home so they can complete the work. Normal working hours for
the contractors are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. You
will need to make your home accessible to them during these hours.
Is
the weatherization work guaranteed? Return
to Top
The weatherization
work done on your home is guaranteed for one year against defects
in material and workmanship by the contractors. Please keep the
name, address and phone number of the contractor that has completed
your home's weatherization. If you have any questions or a problem
with the weatherization work, please call the local agency that
served you.
What
do I need to do to get ready for the project? Return
to Top
When the contractor
is ready to begin work, it would be helpful if you would move
house plants and fragile items so they are not damaged during
the construction process; expect some dust! The workers will
need to get to the furnace, attic, and window areas. If you have
items stored in the attic, they should be moved or covered.
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