CULLMAN, Ala. – With the cost of living steadily rising, and many homeowners unable to perform crucial repairs to maintain their homes, it can seem like a domino effect as leaky doors and windows contribute to rising heating and cooling costs, keeping some homeowners in the gap.
Enter Community Action Partnership of North Alabama (CAPNA)’s weatherization program. Pulling from multiple grants, the weatherization program sets homeowners up for success. The program is available for income-eligible households in Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan, Walker and Winston counties.
CAPNA Director of Energy & Rehabilitation Angela Ingram said that, once approved, a project is typically fast-moving and only takes about a day.
“Everything is done to spec. We use licensed contractors. We have our inspector come do a walk-through at the end, and the homeowner usually signs off that they’re satisfied,” she said. “And then for a year period our contractors make good on any repairs that might be needed.”
When asked how CAPNA makes it happen, Ingram said the process is fairly simple.
“We perform an energy audit on the home, and that gives us a guideline on where to start,” she explained. “Many times it’s insulating the home, using caulk or spray foam around windows, checking out the heating and cooling units.”
CAPNA also follows up by installing typical safety measures such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
Ingram made sure to note that eligibility is based on a priority point system, with priority given to those homeowners who are elderly, disabled or living on a fixed income.
“It is based on a priority point system, so head of household over 60, head of household receiving disability benefits, children under the age of 18 in the home, overall income and utility bill amount as well and more,” she mentioned.
Check out www.capna.org/weatherization for an application.
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