Jacksonville, Fla.  – As we enjoy our first taste of cool weather, now is the time to start thinking of weatherizing our homes. Today the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency (NFCAA) observed weatherization day in Duval County, and while most homeowners can make a few simple improvements to increase the energy efficiency of their homes, many low income families in Duval County don’t have the means to do so. With NFCAA’s weatherization program, eligible residents in Duval County can get help.

 

NFCAA’s weatherization program provides free energy audits and weatherization services to qualifying individuals with gross incomes below 200% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Weatherization services include improvements such as caulking and weather stripping doors and windows, replacing door threshold replacements, repairing duct systems, adding insulation to attics and walls and making minor repairs to floors and ceilings.

 

Funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Florida Department of Community Affairs. From October 2009 – February 2011, NFCAA has a total of $1,581,379 for weatherization services in Duval County. This total includes additional funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

 

“Most low income families spend 17 percent of their total annual income on energy, while the average for most homes is 4 percent. That means many folks forego basic necessities to keep their homes heated and cooled during peak seasons,” said John Edwards, executive director of the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency.  “By weatherizing homes, low income families can realize both short- and long-term savings on their utility bills.”

 

Weatherizing not only helps individual homeowners, but Duval County as well by improving housing quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the local economy. For every $1 invested in the program, weatherization returns $1.67 in reduced energy bills.1

 

Duval County residents interested in learning more about the weatherization program should call the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency at 398-7472, x218 

 

For more than 40 years, the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency (NFCAA) has been a driving force in eliminating poverty in Northeast Florida. In addition to providing emergency financial assistance to those in need, NFCAA’s educational programs and services help individuals earn, maintain and grow an income to achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence. Coupled with youth development services and community improvement projects, NFCAA and its clients help build better communities and improve the quality of life for all. For more information about NFCAA, please call (904) 398-7472 or visit www.nfcaa.org.

1Weatherization Assistance Program, Technical Assistance Center, 2009