Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency offers weatherization help to lower utility costs

With colder weather approaching, the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency is reminding residents that eligible homeowners may be able to cut winter heating costs through its home weatherization program.

Weatherization manager Sean James said the initiative is funded by federal and state money and typically takes several months to finish.

“Essentially what we do is, an energy audit of your home and then we kind of determine what’s needed,” James said. “So it could be insulation, furnace, water heater, general air sealing to make sure that the air that’s supposed to be in your home stays there and the air that’s not can’t get in.”

James said many homes can see substantial savings by improving energy efficiency.

“In most homes, I would say about 90% of them, they need insulation, whether it be in the attics or the walls or both. Old appliances, so old furnaces, old water heaters heat up a lot of energy as well.”

He also pointed to the importance of properly sealed windows and doors to keep air from leaking in or out.

In some cases, James said, the program can significantly reduce what homeowners pay during the winter, when utility bills can climb sharply.

“It is all house-dependent, but I would say they’re in the $600 to $700 a month range. And we have a lot of times been able to get that to the $300 to $400 [range] or even less. It really just depends on your home as a whole, but we are able to take usually a pretty significant portion off.”

Income determines eligibility for the weatherization program, but James said people should not assume they do not qualify. Those interested are encouraged to call the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency and choose the weatherization option. The SMCAA’s number is 269-925-9077.