West NY News

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is offering support to families facing increased heating costs due to harsh winter conditions. The program aims to enhance energy efficiency in homes, providing benefits such as reduced heating and cooling expenses, improved safety, and increased comfort.

Weatherization involves making a house more energy-efficient by implementing measures like air sealing, insulation, and upgrading heating systems. It also includes improvements in lighting efficiency and replacing refrigerators with Energy Star-rated units. These efforts result in significant reductions in household energy use, with average savings exceeding 20%.

In New York State, the program is managed by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Services are available to income-eligible homeowners and renters, prioritizing senior citizens, families with children, and persons with disabilities. Households earning at or below 60% of the state median income qualify for assistance. Additionally, households receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Public Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits automatically qualify for weatherization services.

The program offers various services across different categories:

- Mechanical: Includes cleaning or replacing heating/cooling systems, installing duct insulation, repairing leaks, installing programmable thermostats, and water heater maintenance.

- Building: Involves installing insulation, performing air sealing, applying window film, and repairing or replacing windows and doors.

- Electrical and Water: Focuses on efficient lighting installation and low-flow showerheads while replacing inefficient refrigerators.

- Client Education: Educates residents on potential hazards like carbon monoxide and mold while promoting energy-efficient products.

- Health and Safety: Conducts safety testing for heating systems and combustion appliances while addressing mold hazards.

Providers adhere to state and federal standards for materials used in these services. HCR provides training to ensure quality control. Services are free for home occupants; however, rental building owners must contribute financially toward weatherization costs.

Interested individuals should contact their local provider for an initial energy efficiency audit. For Chautauqua County residents, Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. can be reached at 716-661-9430. Additional information is available online at https://www.chautauquaopportunities.com/energy-audits/ or https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/wap.asp.

For further assistance, individuals may contact the Office for Aging Services and NY Connects via email at ccnyc@chqgov.com or by phone at 716-753-4582.