El Dorado County offers free home weatherization program

With budgets tight these days, every cost saving measure helps. El Dorado County residents can save big on energy bills, and keep their homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, by taking advantage of free weatherization services available through the El Dorado County Community Services Weatherization Program. “The average yearly savings in energy bills after weatherization is over $400,” said Michelle Hunter, program manager with Community Services.
Through the Weatherization Program, qualified low-income property owners and renters can receive up to $3,055 in improvements to the home. “The goal is to make the home more energy efficient and to ensure occupant safety,” said Hunter. Weatherization technicians check the home to see where improvements can be made; services are tailored to each home and designed for maximum cost savings. “Our technicians can provide shade screens, fix broken glass, install fans in ceilings and insulation in attics, repair or replace water heaters, and repair or replace heating units and air conditioners, for example.”

The Weatherization Program also has emergency heating and cooling funding to assist eligible households with the emergency repair, replacement and new installation of certain heating/cooling appliances and water heating appliances.The Weatherization Program is available countywide and serves an average of 20-25 households each month. Households must meet program eligibility guidelines and specific income criteria to qualify for services. To learn more about the Weatherization Program and its requirements, individuals may call (530) 621-6333 or (530) 621-6150 in Placerville, or (530) 573-3490 in South Lake Tahoe or visit www.edcgov.us/humanservices.

The Weatherization Program is a service of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Community Services Division.