CAECI Community Action of East Central Indiana, Inc.

WEATHERIZATION

The Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income families to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. It is this country's longest running, and perhaps most successful energy efficiency program. During the last 27 years, the U.S. Department of Energy 's (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program has provided weatherization services to more than 5.3 million low-income families. Similarly, Health and Human Services began funding the Low Income Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Weatherization Assistance Program in 1982.  Today, these weatherization funds are used in much the same way as DOE funds but with more freedom when it comes to mechanical systems in the home. 

 By reducing the energy bills of low-income families instead of offering aid, the savings can now be used on more pressing family issues. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 31% and overall energy bills by $274 per year. 
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Weatherization has helped spawn an energy efficiency industry for residential housing. This industry today employs 8,000 people who work in low-income weatherization alone, and many times that number work in companies that help homeowners increase their energy efficiency through low-cost measures. Many of the techniques that are today standard procedure in this industry were first developed and tested by the Weatherization Program.
 

The weatherization process includes a prioritized evaluation of the whole house, including health, safety, and comfort issues unique to the individual home.  Among the many components of the program are heating system efficiency, insulation levels, air bypass detection and sealing, client education and much more.  Our staff and contractors are certified and/or licensed to perform all the necessary diagnostics and repairs in accordance with the most current Indiana Weatherization guidelines.

Weatherization services may include the following:

Attic, wall and foundation insulation
Air infiltration testing and sealing
Water Heater replacement (home owners only)
Cooking Stove Replacement (homeowners only)
Refrigerator Replacement (homeowners only)
Client Education Program
Furnace clean and tunes
Furnace safety checks
Furnace replacement (home owners only)
House inspection
 

Both homeowners and renters are eligible for the Weatherization Program provided they meet the 200% income guidelines.