 Community Action administers a variety of programs to assist the
seniors and low-income individuals in the community. One program
administered by Community Action is the Illinois Home Weatherization
Assistance Program, 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 a long-term
solution designed to help low-income residents save fuel and money,
while increasing the comfort of their homes.Annually, Community
Action 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, the program seals cracks with weatherstrip and caulk,
insulates attics and walls, and sometimes repairs 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 with 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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Community Action also recommends the
following tips:
-
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 and keep lights and lighting fixtures clean.
-
Unplug your televisions, DVD player and
VCR when on vacation.
Community Action is currently planning an event to celebrate
National Weatherization Day on Oct. 30.
Community Action serves Logan, Mason, Menard, Fulton, Piatt and
DeWitt counties with a variety of programs. For more information,
visit capcil.org.
[Text from file received from
Community Action Partnership of
Central Illinois] |
