October is National Weatherization Month. This month was designated as such in order to bring National, state and local attention to the hard work and dedication of the many members of the Weatherization Assistance Program. It is also used to bring attention to the fact that many low-income households use a large portion of their overall income on energy costs.
The North Central WV Community Action Weatherization Program covers the following counties in West Virginia: Preston, Monongalia, Marion, Barbour, Tucker, Randolph, Taylor, Harrison, Pocahontas and Greenbrier, and has been assisting residents in these counties for over 30 years.
In celebration of Weatherization Month, NCWVCAA is hosting an open house at the Barbour County Office in Philippi on Oct. 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. We are located between Builders’ Center and Quick Pit. Energy education will be provided and someone will be available to assist residents with completing an application for services. Residents who intend on applying for services while in attendance, please bring proof of income eligibility as well as recent heating and electric utility bill. Refreshments will be provided as well.
Weatherization services are cost-effective, free, energy efficiency measures taken in order to assist income eligible single-family homes as well as some multi-family units. These services are derived by using a diagnostic energy audit and building assessment that determines the necessary energy efficiency measures for each unique home. Some examples of the measures performed include air sealing, insulation installment, duct sealing, furnace repair-replacement, and in some cases, appliance replacements. Emergency heating programs are also provided during the winter months.
With support from the US Department of Energy, more than 6.7 million homes have been weatherized across the nation since 1976. Below are some statistics supporting the benefits of home weatherization practices:
For every $1 invested, weatherization returns $2.51 to the household and society
Energy savings average 35% of consumption for the typical low-income home pre-weatherization consumption.
Weatherization decreases national energy consumption by the equivalent of 24.1 million barrels of oil annually.
Call Rebecca Manley, WX Program Assistant at 304-457-3420 ext. 312 with any questions.
