Ronica Shannon
Madison Countians struggling to pay their cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter may qualify for relief through Kentucky’s Weatherization Program, which is operated in Madison County by Kentucky River Foothills Development Council Inc.
The program was created several years ago to offer free weatherization services to eligible applicants to help lower their home’s heating and cooling costs.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the Economic Stimulus Act, allotted $2.1 million to be spent over a three year period.
In previous years, those who qualified for the assistance could not make over $1,800 a month gross income per household, she said.
This year, that amount has risen to $2,100 a month per household.
“We’re going to do 14 jobs this month and we have 13 jobs lined up for next month,” said Karen Bailey, program coordinator for Kentucky River Foothills’ Madison County office.
Anyone who is not sure if they qualify for the assistance can call 623-6514 and speak to Lore Cox, Madison County Kentucky River Foothills representative.
There are no deadlines for applying for the financial assistance program, Cox said.
Those who qualify for the program will have their home inspected for heating and/or cooling efficiency.
“Our people will do a test on their home to see where the energy loss is,” Cox said. “Once that test is conducted, we’ll base what we’re going to do on (the test’s results).”
Weatherization services often performed include: Insulation of ductwork, attics, walls and floors; repair or replacement of inefficient appliances (furnaces, refrigerators and light bulbs); sealing of air infiltration, weather stripping, replacement of leaking doors and windows; and the installation of bath vent fans and smoke alarms.
“If you are eligible for weatherization services, an energy auditor from the Kentucky River Foothills weatherization staff will meet with you to provide a free energy audit of your home,” said Myron Smyth, Foothills’ weatherization and housing specialist. “The health and safety of your home is a high priority during the weatherization process.”
Following the weatherization work, a final home inspection will be done to make certain that the weatherization work is done to meet Kentucky weatherization specifications, Smyth said.
Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 624-6608.
