UCHRA Weatherization Program Available To Save You Energy Costs

Monday is Weatherization Day and UCHRA offering a program to help you get ready for cooler weather.

The program is designed to help low-income families who may be struggling to pay all their bills on time. It could save a family more than $280 annually on energy costs. UCHRA Weatherization Manager Tommy Simcox said applicants are measured by priority points to determine where they sit on the waiting list.

“A lot of times they’ve got older homes with not that much energy efficiency,” Simcox said. “And also to go along with that there are some health benefits to the weatherization program with making cleaner indoor air.”

Simcox said services include air ceiling insulation, door and window work as well as maximizing heating and cooling units. Simcox said to apply for the weatherization service, you can contact the local UCHRA office in your county.

“A lot of people have to make a choice between paying their energy bills or buying food or medicine or something along of that nature,” Simcox said. “And helps them to save a little money on it.”

Simcox said that UCHRA allows contractors 30 working days to complete the job, though it usually takes less than a week.

“It’s a problem that a lot of homes and families have,” Simcox said. “When you spend extra money on your electric bills, on your gas bills, it’s wasted money that they could use for something else.”

Simcox said after contacting a representative citizens can make an appointment to fill out an application. Simcox said priority points considered include the applicant’s age, income, disability, and if children are present.

Across the county, more than 500 Community Action Agencies operate a Weatherization Assistance Program.