 CIEDC is a Community Action agency that administers a variety of
programs to assist the seniors and low-income individuals in the
community. One program administered by CIEDC is the
Illinois Home
Weatherization Assistance Program, which is funded by the U.S.
Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, and the state supplemental Energy Assistance Fund. The
program is designed to help low-income residents save fuel and
money, while increasing the comfort of their homes.Annually,
CIEDC weatherizes over 80 homes throughout central Illinois, with
the goal of saving energy. Although most dwellings waste energy,
different types of houses and apartments have different energy
problems. Depending on the circumstances and condition of the
dwelling, some of the following weatherization work may be done:
sealing cracks with weatherstrip and caulk, insulating attics and
walls, repairing windows and doors. Weatherization services also
include having an experienced heating contractor examine the heating
system. This contractor ensures that the heating system is safe and
in good working order.
The funding is limited annually, and priority is given to those
homes that contain young children and senior residents.
"We encourage everyone to consider ways they can reduce their
energy usage," said Rick Campbell, weatherization director. "There
are many simple things that can be done to lower your bills that
don't cost a thing -- for example, turning off lights when they
aren't in use."
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CIEDC also recommends the following tips:
-
Set your thermostat
back to 60 degrees while away from home for more than four
hours.
-
Open window
coverings on the sunny side of your home to take advantage of
the sun. Be sure to close the coverings as the sun goes down.
-
Set your water
heater to no more than 120 degrees.
-
Keep your freezer
as full as possible. Use plastic bottles with water to fill in
the empty spaces.
-
Make sure food is
cool and covered before it goes into the refrigerator.
-
Run full loads in
your washer and dryer.
-
Vacuum your
refrigerator coils.
-
Keep lights and
lighting fixtures clean.
-
Unplug your televisions, DVD player and
VCR when you're on vacation.
CIEDC is a Community Action agency that serves Logan, Mason,
Menard, Fulton, Piatt and DeWitt counties with a variety of
programs. For more information, visit
www.ciedc.org.
[Text from file received from Central Illinois Economic Development
Corp.]
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