19 States Receive $92.5 Million To Weatherize Homes
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that $92.5 million has been awarded to 19 states to improve the energy efficiency of low-income family homes.
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program makes improvements such as plugging air leaks, improving insulation and tuning air conditioning and heating systems, which reduces energy waste and lowers energy bills. Through DOE’s weatherization program, approximately 92,300 homes will be upgraded this year.
DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program gives priority to low-income households with elderly members, people with disabilities and children. Low-income families spend an average of 14 percent of their income on energy. It is estimated that weatherization can reduce an average home’s energy costs by $237 a year.
The program is administered by states, tribes and 970 local agencies. Every state, the District of Columbia, the Navajo Nation and the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona will receive weatherization grants this year. The awards announced today are for the 19 states that began their weatherization program year on July 1.
The weatherization assistance program performs energy audits to identify the most cost-effective energy upgrades for each home. These typically include adding insulation, reducing air infiltration, servicing heating and cooling systems and providing health and safety diagnostic services.
For every dollar spent, the Department of Energy estimates that weatherization returns $1.40 in energy savings to American families.
Provided by the Environmental News Service.
