Weatherization can involve filling in cracks in window frames.
Pennsylvania weatherization grants provide an average of $6,500 in energy efficiency upgrades per Pennsylvania household as of publication, but the amount of assistance a homeowner or renter will receive varies depending upon the condition of their residence, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Residents can apply for a grant through the Pennsylvania Weatherization Program, and they may receive assistance with weatherproofing their property at no charge if they meet certain criteria.
Benefits
Weatherization grants improve the energy efficiency of a property, saving a homeowner or renter money every month on her electricity bill. An approved subcontractor will weather strip, caulk and repair windows and doors, wrap hot water pipes, replace an outdated refrigerator, insulate the roof, repair central heating systems and replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights for qualifying residents. These professionals can also show a resident reduce his energy bill further through future purchases and practical tips.
Eligibility
Pennsylvania households cannot earn more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify for a weatherization grant. For example, a household with two people cannot earn more than $2,428 per month as of December 2010 to qualify for the program, according to the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation. At-risk residents, including those residents with children, the disabled and the elderly, receive priority assistance. Both renters and homeowners qualify for the program.
Apply
Pennsylvania residents can contact their local weatherization agency by phone to apply for the program. To obtain this number, they can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development by calling 866-GO-NEWPA. Since a county or city housing authority representative will determine an applicant's eligibility for the program over the phone, the applicant should have a copy of his paychecks and Social Security number on hand. If the applicant qualifies, the representative will arrange for a qualified subcontractor to conduct an energy audit at the applicant's residence.
Considerations
A subcontractor licensed with the county or city will conduct a visual inspection of the property to find out what areas of the property require weatherization. He may also use heat-reading equipment and blowers to determine the amount of air leakage present in the property. After completing this energy audit, the subcontractor will approve the work with the county or city he represents and will then begin weatherproofing the property. The amount of time a subcontractor takes to weatherize the property depends on priority, current demand for weatherization and the amount of improvements required.
Tags: county city, cannot earn, cannot earn more, Community Economic, Community Economic Development
