Ellen Doucette has only one regret about the Ozark Community Action Corporation weathering her home. That’s because her husband Don isn’t here this winter to experience a warm home.
Don passed away in May 2022, before Doucette could see OACAC replace her neighbor’s windows.
“This little house is airtight. It’s old, but it’s airtight,” Doucette said. “It means a lot because Don had heart failure and was very cold. I think he would have been happy to know that OACAC cared for us that way. I I wish I had known.”
Doucette lives in a two-bedroom mobile home with her dogs, Dottie and Daisy. OACAC’s Weatherization Assistance Program weatherproofs Doucette’s doors and windows, adds insulation, adds smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replaces light bulbs with LEDs, and vents dryers. We replaced the spout, wrapped the water heater, caulked all entrances, caulked the pipes, and installed a fan. Adequate indoor air quality. Mr. Doucette was not charged a fee.
“That would make a difference because I use propane and every time the meter hits a number it’s $6.75,” Doucette said. “Last year, I kept the heat at 65 degrees Fahrenheit because I was scared. How am I going to pay for that?”
She and her puppies are going to be warm this year.
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Income-based programs aim to help as many people as possible
From July 2022 to June 2023, OACAC weatherized 124 homes. Weatherization is a free service provided by OACAC. You can apply online or print a paper application form from the website. https://oac.ac/weatherization. Income guidelines determine whether you qualify.
OACAC Weatherization Director Todd Steinman explained that income guidelines allow more people to access services. The program is open to people whose annual income is less than 200% of the poverty level, meaning a family of four with an income of $60,000 could still qualify.
“It’s really reaching the middle class,” Steinman said.
According to OACAC, weatherization reduces energy use, improves energy efficiency, provides long-term savings, and creates a safer and healthier living environment. This program provides services such as attic, floor, and wall insulation. Weatherstripping. Repair of doors and windows. Heating systems and appliances tested for safety and efficiency. and air seal.
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“As people are stressed about money due to inflation and other factors, if we can reduce energy costs, or at least maintain the original amount so that energy costs do not continue to rise, we will be able to spend more money on things like food and medicine. ‘Maybe,”’ Steinman said.
by US Department of EnergyHouseholds across the country that participate in the Weatherization Assistance Program save an average of more than $372 each year.
OACAC serves Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster counties.
“We always need applicants, and it’s a free service for homeowners and renters,” Steinman said. If people want to contribute to weatherization costs, they can, but it is never expected. “The main focus is to ensure families with incomes receive support and ease their energy burden.”
Anyone can weatherize their home
Even if you don’t qualify for a free weatherization assessment, there are things you can do to keep your home warm and energy efficient this winter.
OACAC offers a list of low-cost weatherization tips.
- Seal around doors and windows with weatherstripping and caulk.
- Seal around ceilings, floors, electrical wiring penetrations through walls, plumbing pipes, ducts, and light fixtures.
- Closing curtains and shades at night reduces the coldness from cold windows, and during warmer months, prevents sunlight from entering through windows. Open curtains or shades on south-facing windows during the day to allow warm sunlight to enter your home.
- Replace your furnace filter monthly (or every 90 days if you are using a 90-day filter). Perform furnace maintenance before each heating season to ensure your furnace is operating safely and efficiently.
- In the winter, keep the thermostat below 68 degrees. For every drop in temperature, you could potentially save 3-5% on your monthly heating costs.
- Make good use of ventilation fans in the kitchen, bathroom, etc. In just one hour, these fans can heat or cool air enough to fill a house.
- Keep the fireplace damper tightly closed when not in use.
- Install water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators.
- Wash your laundry in cold water if possible. This can save you 20 to 40 cents per package. Hang your laundry to dry so your dryer doesn’t use up energy or raise your home’s temperature during the cooling season.
- Set the water temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees.
- Insulate your water heater, especially if it is located in an unheated area.
- Repair all holes in ceilings, walls, and floors to make them airtight.
- Turn off lights in rooms that are not in use.
- Install compact fluorescent bulbs in place of existing incandescent bulbs.
- Repair any leaking faucets or toilets immediately.
- Vacuum your refrigerator’s condenser coil at least once a year.
- Keep the refrigerator temperature at 37-40 degrees and the freezer temperature at 0 degrees.
- Turn off your television, stereo, and computer when not in use.
- When replacing appliances, look for the Energy Star label.
Susan Schuch is a health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow @szuchsm on X, formerly known as Twitter. Story ideas? Email sszuch@gannett.com.
