Financial help for eligible applicants

Insulation, caulking and other weatherization steps are important for saving energy and controlling your heating bills. We understand that it may be difficult to fit energy-efficiency improvements into your budget. That’s why we want to let you know about special no-cost weatherization programs for which you may be eligible.

How to apply for assistance
If you meet the income guidelines listed below, then you may qualify for weatherization assistance. To apply, call the community action agency listed for the county where you live. Often, there is a significant waiting list. But the sooner you call, the sooner you’ll get on the list. If your furnace or heat source is not working, please call right away, because once you complete an application, you may qualify for faster assistance.

How the program works
If you qualify, you’ll be contacted for an energy audit. The audit will determine a list of weatherization steps appropriate for your home, which may include:

• Ceiling, wall and floor insulation
• Energy-related minor home repairs
• Air-infiltration reduction
• Furnace repair and replacement
• Heating duct improvements
• Energy conservation education

The agency you contact will provide an employee or contractor to perform the audit and weatherization work. Since you are initiating the original application for assistance, you will know that the contractors are legitimate. Remember, the work is provided at no cost to eligible participants.

Renters may also receive assistance, but the landlord must agree to have the work done. (For more information on how the program works, visit the Oregon Housing and Community Services Web site.

Where the dollars come from
Funding for these weatherization programs comes from several different sources, including federal programs and the 3 percent public-purpose charge that all PGE customers pay on their electric bills.

Special note for City of Portland residents: If you live in Portland and meet income guidelines, you may be interested in weatherization workshops for do-it-yourselfers, or a weatherization program for seniors and disabled who are unable to make improvements themselves. For information on the workshops or the senior and disabled program, call the Community Energy Project at 503-284-6827.

1. Turn down the thermostat. Your circumstances may vary, but a good rule of thumb is 68 degrees during the day and 55 at night or when you’re away.
2. Close fireplace dampers when not in use.
3. Check your furnace filter every month or two and clean or replace as needed.
4. Dress for the season. Wear layers in cooler weather.
5. Open drapes during the day to capture solar heat, and close them at night.
6. Lower your electric water heater to 120 degrees and fix leaky hot-water faucets.
7. Wash clothes in cold water when possible, and wash only full loads.
8. Defrost freezer before frost builds to 1/4".
9. Use the microwave or toaster oven instead of the large oven.
10. Turn off lights and the TV when you leave a room.