Local Homes Get Help Preparing For Winter
BOSTON (CBS) -- Massachusetts is leading the way in making homes more energy efficient.
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Stimulus Program, Massachusetts was given $122 million to assist the state's weatherization of more than 16,000 low-moderate income homes.
Those whose combined pay was less than $40,000 for a family of four are eligible to receive the help.
So far, the program has already met half its goal with more than 7,200 homes receiving weatherization services.
The program is also helping to spur more work and jobs for local contractors like Brian Kearny from Neponset Valley Construction.
"My business has boomed. We run three crews a day blowing in insulation and all the things that go with weatherization. We have more work than we can handle," said Kearny.
The stimulus act also extends out to most families providing federal and state tax credits and rebates to those looking to save money on heating bills with more energy efficient homes.
Ian Bowles is the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Patrick administration.
"If you have an old boiler that is 25 years old you may be using twice as much fuel than you need to to heat your house," said Bowles. "The first step is to call your utility, get a free energy audit of your home. They may fix something on the first time through and if there are some measures you can take they will pay up to $2,000 of the cost."
Bowles recommends visiting masssave.com for complete information on how you can
take advantage of these stimulus energy saving programs to help the environment and keep money in your pocket this winter.
Things you can do to get ready for winter:
- Insulate your attic & walls
- Insulate your water pipes on the hot water heaters
- Seal air leaks by caulking, foam or weather stripping around doors & windows
- Clean, repair or replace heating and cooling units
The benefit of energy is you can really take control of your own bill and cut it down to a third or a half if you really put your mind to it. Stop that cold air from coming into your house.
