Search This Blog

Friday, September 23, 2011

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)


With Fall upon us this week it is not too early to think of individuals who live in Howard County that might benefit from the Weatherization Assistance Program in Howard County.  In our County the Community Action Council (CAC) is the lead agency for this program. Referrals to CAC can be made at 410-313-6440.

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) operated by the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Single Family Special Loans Programs (SLP) helps eligible low income households with the installation of energy conservation materials in their dwelling units. These measures both reduce the consumption of energy and the cost of maintenance for these homes. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Electric Universal Service Program, along with Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) and Washington Gas utility companies.

Eligible Applicants

Owner applicants must be income eligible (currently 60% of statewide median) and able to prove ownership of the housing unit. For rental units, landlords must prove ownership and also agree to participate and invest. Priority is given to homeowners who are elderly, disabled, have families with children and/or have the highest energy consumption.
Current Income Eligibility Limits
Family Size Monthly Income Annualized Income
1 $2,520 $30,249
2 $3,296 $39,556
3 $4,072 $48,864
4 $4,847 $58,171
5 $5,623 $67,479
6 $6,398 $76,786
7 $7,174 $86,093
8 $7,950 $95,400
Each additional person add $ 775 $9,307

Service Delivery Options

Once eligibility is determined, the CAC will schedule an energy audit inspection. If the existing condition of the dwelling permits, the program may provide the following treatments to make the unit more energy efficient:
  • blower door air infiltration reduction
  • insulation in the attic, floors, walls
  • Hot water system improvements
  • Lighting retrofit
  • furnace clean/tune, safety repairs, burner retrofit or replacement
  • Health and safety items
 P.S.
From the Tale of Two Cities blog the tracking of the falling satellite is now possible at a Fox News link.  I am surprised that I haven't heard of office polls on when the satellite will fall.

P.S.
Check out the Woman's Empowerment Conference being held by Pinnacle on Oct. 28th at the Columbia Sheraton.

1 comment:

Ann Elsen said...

I'm the new energy manager for the Howard County Government, but I got my start in the Weatherization Program in Prince George's County. It's a great program. It's amazing how much money you can save just by properly sealing the building envelope. A little caulking and weatherstripping is all that's usually needed. And Weatherization knows exactly where to put it by doing the blower door test. Insulation helps a lot too. With winter coming, now is the time to get your home weatherized. You won't regret it.

Families who are above the income limits for WAP can get some help from thier utility. Check out Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, for a complete home retrofit, targeting the best performing measures.

Thanks for posting this.

Ann Elsen
Ann@ElsenEnergy.com