The move to weatherize homes as part of the federal economic stimulus package could save energy, help the environment and improve the ability of many houses to withstand natural disasters.
About $8 billion of stimulus funds will be devoted to making homes more energy efficient by replacing windows, adding more insulation, sealing leaks, and modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment.
Many of these improvements can increase a home's performance in disaster conditions, according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). For example, replacing single-pane windows with dual-pane, tempered glass windows can safeguard a home in a wildfire, while adding insulation can reduce the risk of ice dams forming in severe winter weather. Ice dams can lead to water leaks on the ceilings and walls.
Who qualifies for the federal stimulus weatherization funding will be decided at the state level. Today's Nashua Telgraph reports on what it will mean in New Hampshire. More than $23 million of stimulus money will be allocated to New Hampshire for weatherizing homes for low-income residents and more than $25 million to a state program that, among other things, will probably give consumers rebates for energy-saving improvements, according to the newspaper.
The program will give up to $6,500 per home in energy-efficiency upgrades, and will be available for families making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level – basically, about $44,000 a year for a family of four.
The state Office of Energy and Planning anticipates receiving the weatherization funds by April, and will then disperse a portion of the money to six nonprofit community-action agencies, said Andy Gray, the OEP's weatherization program manager. The state will use applications from the New Hampshire Fuel-Assistance Program to determine which homes qualify, audit them and conduct final inspections.
For more information on how to protect your home or business against a natural disaster, enter your ZIP code at www.DisasterSafety.org.
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