Save Big Bucks on Energy Consumption
Let’s face it. Paying bills is painful and you are not the only one feeling the agony of the bills as they pile up. As the deadly pandemic ravages US cities, members of all communities who are short on money are always thinking about how they are going to pay next month’s bills.
You’re not alone, especially when it comes to energy costs. Did you know that most low-income households in the US spend 16.3 percent of their earnings annually on energy expenses? Other households enjoy the benefit of paying only 3.5 percent. Now, it goes without saying that most people dread their electric bill, but dread no more, as there is a program that will lower those bills and help you consume less energy in a more environmentally friendly manner. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has helped nationwide reduce their energy consumption and pay less on their electric bill.
Dive into the Application Process
Thinking of applying? Nobody would ever give it a second thought. As the policies differ from state to state, you can find all the details of the rules and regulations when you visit www.energy.gov. On the website, you will find a map where you choose your state and all the information you will need to have will be immediately available to you.
First Steps in the Program
An energy audit is the first step that you will have to go through in this program once it has been determined that you are eligible for entry. The one who will be conducting this audit will be your local WAP provider who is licensed to provide weatherization services. Audits and inspections usually involve: (1) checking that all energy-related equipment you have at home is safe to keep running (2) looking at your energy bills to see where things can be improved (3) an observation of how outside air enters in the interior environment of the house. After finalizing the energy audit, your WAP will provide some advice on how to consume less energy so that you can develop the right habits to save up.
And now it’s time to start building. WAP will send in a licensed weatherization contractor to do work on your house so that you will be able to consume less energy. The work will include insulation of some important areas of the house and repairs on energy equipment.
Getting In
There are a number of requirements to get into WAP and it should not be too difficult to qualify for the program, since energy efficiency is something, which public officials are currently trying to effectively promote. It’s important for you to know that you will automatically qualify for the program if you have been accepted for LIHEAP, SSI, or TANF benefits. The amount of your earnings is also an important criteria in the assessment process, where accepted candidates must make less than 60% of the average state income.
