A Warmer, More Efficient Home for Everyone

Jay filled his oil barrel the other day; it cost him over $550.  It’s a lot for a 73 year old man living on a fixed income.  Jay knows that “every bit of help I can get is good.”  That’s why he called CVCAC’s Weatherization program.

Josh, a CVCAC Energy Auditor, came by to identify potential improvements in energy efficiency and comfort that could be made to Jay’s single-wide trailer.  A full report was produced and a few months later, a qualified weatherization crew arrived.  Jay’s furnace was cleaned and tuned.  Safety and air quality was improved with a new dryer hood and better fastening.  Insulation was added in the roofing and belly of the trailer; registers, venting, outlets and more were sealed to prevent air leakage.  All labor, materials and supplies were provided by CVCAC, and it only took a couple days to do the work.

Jay used to drive truck for a living.  Unfortunately, health issues leave him housebound with limited mobility most days.  The energy efficiency upgrades made to his home are work that Jay couldn’t have completed on his own.  For that reason, he’ll be the first to stand up and praise the program even though, as he asserts, “I’m not the kind of guy to go on welfare.”

What Jay is most excited about is the new solar space heating panel added to the south side of his trailer.  The solar panel collects sunlight and uses an automatic thermostat to directly heat Jay’s home when the sun is shining.

So, is it working?  Does Jay see any savings on his bills or cut down on his energy use?  “The first sign,” he points out, “is that the heater just kicks in less.” It’s hard to know what the full energy impact of weatherizing Jay’s home will be—after all, the work was only completed recently, but based on previous Weatherization clients with similar homes, Jay can expect to see a significant reduction in his home heating bill.

“We help over a hundred seniors every year,” says Josh, “For those on fixed incomes, weatherizing their homes keeps critical dollars in their pockets to be used on medications or other household costs.”

“It means a lot to me and to a lot of people without much income,” reflects Jay.  To know that resources are available, to know that people are here to help, to know that everyone has the opportunity to live in a warmer, more efficient home.

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CVCAC provides weatherization services free of charge to central Vermonters who meet income and other qualifications. Trained professionals review problem areas in the home and identify the most cost-effective steps that can be taken to increase comfort, reduce heat loss, and ensure safety.

Learn more about CVCAC’s no-fee weatherization program.