What is weatherization and who provides these services?Weatherizing a home includes installing measures that cut energy costs. These are things like air-sealing through adding weather stripping and caulking windows, installing attic and sidewall insulation, and other activities designed to cut energy consumption in a home, reducing heating and electrical demand. Ten (10) community action agencies throughout the state operates the Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income citizens and families in Mississippi.
How does this program work?
Individuals apply for weatherization through their local community action agency. The agency will review their income to determine if the household is eligible to receive weatherization. Eligible individuals will have a pre-inspection completed on their home to determine which weatherization measures will be most cost-effective. The agency will then schedule the weatherization work to be completed. The weatherization crew or contractor will visit the home and perform the work, and a post-inspection will be completed.
How much money will Mississippi receive?
Mississippi will receive $49.4 million in Weatherization funding as part of the stimulus package.
What are the eligibility guidelines?
The Weatherization Program is available for individuals and families making up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or about $44,100 a year for a family of four.
What is the estimated savings if I have my home weatherized?
Savings vary across the state according to the weather and/or cost of fuel in that locality. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 25% and overall energy bills by $350 to $400 per year. However, specific energy savings may depend on such things as weatherization measures installed, changing fuel cost, weather and the energy conservation habits of the occupants.
What are other benefits of having my home weatherized?
In addition to the economic benefits that result from lowering energy bills, weatherizing a home makes the home more comfortable for its residents, improves the safety of the heating systems, and has a broader impact in terms of the environmental benefits that come from reducing energy usage. In addition, weatherization reduces dependence on foreign oil and it creates many direct and indirect jobs in local economies.
I rent my house. Do I still qualify for weatherization?
Your landlord must agree to pay a portion of the weatherization cost before your house can be qualified for any weatherization work. Your local agency can provide more details.
Does the weatherization include work like replacement roofs, new siding and plumbing?
Due to the cost of these repairs, the weatherization program cannot replace roofs, siding or plumbing. Your local agency may be able to refer you to other resources in your community for those repairs.
Is any of the work guaranteed?
The final work is inspected by an agency staff member specifically trained to review the work done on the home. The homeowner then has final written approval that the work was done correctly.
Households in Weatherization are prioritized. What does that mean?
It means that the program’s goal is to serve those households that have the lowest incomes, together with the highest energy burdens. Income-eligible households with high heating bills, in relation to income, and those containing elderly members (60 and over) with a disability or young children (5 years of age or below) will be given priority and weatherization services first. Non-priority, income-eligible households will be served if funding is available. Therefore, some eligible households may not receive weatherization assistance during the program year they applied in.
How can I contact the community action agency in my area?
Please contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services at 1-800-421-0762.