Home inspections and energy improvements administered by Cabarrus County are helping low-income residents save money on heating and cooling bills.
The money comes from an annual federal grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Energy, through the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The Weatherization Assistance Program and the Heating, Appliance Repair and Replacement Program are available to all county residents and are based on income and need.
'The average income for our clients is $13,744, but they're spending about $129 a month on heating and cooling,' said Kelly Sifford, planning and development director for Cabarrus County.
'As cold as it's been this year, we've seen some really tough cases. People are realizing that they can't keep up with the bills,' she said.
'We get referrals from hospitals, (county Department of Social Services), hospice, senior centers, Cooperative Christian Ministry and even neighbors,' said Sifford.
The Weatherization Assistance Program makes homes more energy-efficient. It also checks for problems such as poor air circulation that could be unhealthy.
'We start with an energy audit, look for roof leaks, check for mold and moisture and whether or not the house has insulation,' said Sifford. 'We also check for carbon monoxide, wrap water heaters, seal ductwork and check for air leaks around plumbing and electrical (openings).'
Work typically includes caulking; weather stripping; window and door repair; installation of insulation, vents and vapor barriers; and building attic and crawl-space doors.
In some cases the work is done by a contractor; other times a county crew performs the improvements.
So far this fiscal year, which began July 1, Cabarrus County has assisted 21 individuals in 14 housing units through the Weatherization Assistance Program.
The average cost of improvements has been $4,698 per unit, and the average energy savings for residents is estimated at $245 per year. Sifford estimates the county should be able to assist about 28 more families between now and the end of the fiscal year June 30.
The HARP program makes it possible for a resident to have an evaluation of, repairs to or even a low-energy replacement of their primary heating and air conditioning systems. Contractors trained in gas detection and HVAC systems generally do the work.
'A lot of the clients we deal with have lung and heart issues, and this could be a condition of their safety,' said Sifford, who added that the program recently had replaced a cracked heat exchanger for an elderly man who has heart issues.
The average cost of repairing or replacing a heating system would consume 27 percent of the average client's annual income, said Sifford.
So far this year, HARP has assisted 20 elderly and disabled individuals in 15 homes at an average cost of $3,772 per unit. Sifford estimated that, depending on the assistance needed, funding is available to help about 15 more families through the end of the fiscal year.
'We also do a housing and home improvement program for people over 60 working to stay in their home,' said Sifford. 'We install ramps, grab bars, give energy-improvement advice and have actually detected carbon monoxide and replaced appliances for their safety. If a person is frail and can benefit, we also refer them to services like Meals on Wheels.'
'Our clients are so happy to get the assistance,' said Sifford.
Clients for the weatherization program and the appliance repair and replacement programs may be any age but must be income-eligible.
To learn more or to apply, or to report a need, call Linda Cruse at 704-920-2192.
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