Issues: Weatherization

Information for Home Owners and Renters

 Weatherization

Weatherization is the process of shielding homes from extreme weather and making them more energy efficient. It is done by modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment as well as adding more insulation and sealing leaks. Low-income families spend a significant amount of their gross income on energy bills. Weatherization reduces these costs by up to 30%, or about $350 a year. This process also improves the market value of homes.

Michigan will be given $243,398,975 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to increase funding to their weatherization program, which provides these services at no cost to low-income homes throughout the state. These upgrades, on average, are worth $6,500.

 

In addition to investing in homes and reducing the costs of energy bills, the weatherization program also creates and maintains technical jobs in communities across the country and also helps reduce reliance on foreign oil.

 

Eligibility

Households with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines are automatically eligible to receive weatherization services. For a family of four, this amounts to an annual income of less than $44,100 a year. The local Weatherization Operators determine eligibility.

Renters who fit the above description may receive these services, but must have permission from their landlords.

Process of Weatherization

 

Specific examples of weatherization assistance include wall, attic and foundation insulation, air leakage reduction and improvements to dryer vents. Trained inspectors examine each home to determine the conservation needs. This includes tests to make sure that appliances are working properly and efficiently. Tests are also done to see if there is air leakage throughout the house. Based on the results of these tests, the inspectors decide which measures are necessary to make the home more energy efficient. The inspector returns after the contractor finishes, ensuring that the appropriate upgrades have been made.

 

Contact Information  

The State of Michigan Department of Human Services oversees the local agencies that administer the Weatherization Program for the state. The following is a list from the State of Michigan of the local Weatherization Operators for the Detroit/Wayne County area:

WAYNE COUNTY OPERATORS

SERVICE AREA

City of Detroit, Department of Human Services
Detroit Weatherization

5031 Grandy Street
Detroit, Michigan 48211

phone: (313) 852-5625

City of Detroit

Downriver Community Conference, (LPO)

15100 Northline Road
Southgate, MI 48195
phone: (734) 362-3472   

phone: (734) 362-3472   

 

 

 

 

 

 

County of Wayne - Communities of Allen Park, Brownstown Township, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Isle Township, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, Wyandotte

Wayne County , (LPO)

Wayne County Weatherization
33030 Van Born Road  

Wayne, MI

phone: (313) 224-5250

 

 

 

 

County of Wayne - Communities of Taylor, Inkster, Redford, Dearborn Heights, Westland, Garden City, Wayne, Canton, Plymouth/Northville, Huron, Livonia, Belleville/Vanburen, Sumpter, New Boston, Romulus

Wayne-Metropolitan Community Action Agency
2121 Biddle, Ste. 102

Wyandotte, Michigan 48192
phone: (313) 843-2550

County of Wayne - Communities of Dearborn, Highland Park, Hamtramck, the Grosse Ptes, Harper Woods

Application Process

If you are interested in having your home weatherized, please contact one of the above agencies. Copies of Social Security cards for all residents of the house, state-issued IDs for all residents over the age of 18, proof of home ownership, gas bill, electricity bill and proof of income are all necessary to apply. Renters must have an agreement by the landlord which will be mailed to the tenants. After the application is complete, the local Weatherization Office will determine whether your home is eligible to receive these services. The time between application approval and the beginning of the weatherization process varies between local community agencies, but can be up to 8 months. Because of this wait time, you are encouraged to apply with your local agency as soon as possible.

Information Regarding Inspector and Contractor Jobs

Opportunities exist to provide weatherization to consumers in our area. Those interested in becoming a trained inspector or contractor that specializes in the upgrades to homes should contact the above agencies. They oversee the hiring of local inspectors and contractors, who must complete state certification and shadowing programs before they can begin their work.

 

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