REGIONAL— The heating season is definitely underway across the North Country, and there’s help available for families who would like to reduce their energy bills.
The Weatherization Assistance Program provides eligible households a free energy audit, which may lead to free furnace repairs or in some cases installation of free upgrades such as a high-efficiency furnace, water heater, air sealing, attic or wall insulation, refrigerator replacement, LED light bulbs, smoke alarm, or a carbon monoxide detector.
More than 2,000 Minnesota households received weatherization services last year and were able to reduce their energy bills. To raise awareness of this important program, Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed Oct. 30 as Weatherization Day in Minnesota.
“Weatherization assistance saves money by conserving energy, while also helping Minnesotans stay safe and warm in their homes,” said Minnesota Department of Commerce Interim Commissioner Grace Arnold, whose agency administers the program in cooperation with a network of 23 local service providers across Minnesota.
Households can find their local service provider and check their eligibility by calling 800-657-3710 or visiting the Commerce Department’s Weatherization Assistance Program webpage. Find your local service provider by county.
Directed by the U.S. Department of Energy, Minnesota’s Weatherization Assistance Program serves households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines ($50,400 for a family of four). It provides free home energy upgrades to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help save energy and make sure their homes are healthy and safe. Priority is given to households with seniors, disabled family members, children or high-energy consumption.
The state’s weatherization program has served about 37,000 Minnesotans over the past decade. Weatherization recipients save an average of $283 on utility bills each year, according to the U.S. Energy Department.
Last year 1,604 homes received whole-dwelling weatherization including free home upgrades such as a high-efficiency furnace, air sealing, attic or wall insulation, Energy Star refrigerator replacement and LED light bulbs. An additional 472 homes were served with stand-alone work on mechanical systems, which focused on repairing or replacing furnaces and boilers.
How to apply
Eligible Minnesotans can apply for weatherization assistance through a combined application with the state’s Energy Assistance Program which helps homeowners and renters pay their heating bills.
To get help or to apply, call 800-657-3710 and press 1, visit the Commerce Department’s Weatherization Assistance Program webpage or search for “weatherization” at mn.gov/commerce.