NEICAC offers Weatherization Assistance for eligible NE Iowa households

October is recognized nationally as Weatherization Month, and locally, Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation is doing their part to help. NEICAC provides many northeast Iowans with the means to remain in their homes in safety, comfort, and affordability with their Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

The Weatherization Assistance Program includes an energy audit, air leakage checks, exterior wall and attic insulation if needed, and an inspection of all combustion appliances for repair and/or replacement. NEICAC's own Weatherization crews provide all but appliance and furnace repair services. Certified area contractors and vendors do the authorized appliance and furnace work, and the Weatherization staff does a quality control final inspection.

NEICAC Deputy and Community Outreach Director David Boss says, "The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) weatherizes around 100 homes per year in our seven county service area of  Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties. Winneshiek County averages 10-12 homes a year." The average annual energy savings per newly weatherized home in 2017 was $229.

Boss explains, "When households apply for Weatherization, which happens automatically when they apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), each household's energy consumption is collected by the state Weatherization office. The state office then provides NEICAC with a priority list of homes for weatherization."

For additional information on the Weatherization Assistance Program visit NEICAC's website at www.neicac.org or contact your local NEICAC Family Service Office.