After several weeks without hot water, a mobile home resident in Vancouver, Washington, was referred to the Clark County Weatherization Program and received $23,292 in home improvements.
Here's what to know
After Clark County Public Utility District referred Karen Schumacher to the program, a full energy audit showed the home's needs went well beyond the failed hot-water system, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Crews sealed leaks throughout the home, insulated water pipes, floors, and ductwork, and installed a ductless heat pump and thermostat as part of the $23,292 in upgrades funded through the Bonneville Power Administration, the American Rescue Plan Act, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and the agency's Weatherization Plus Health program.
The work also included health and safety improvements. The project also covered an upgraded electrical panel, two new windows, a fix for a leaking pipe, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, grab bars, furnace service, whole-house ventilation, and corrected venting for the dryer and kitchen fan.
More background
Before the repairs, Schumacher spent several weeks staying warm by heating a kettle multiple times a day to get by.
Rather than forcing Schumacher to replace one failed system while continuing to live with other unresolved issues, the funding package allowed crews to make a coordinated set of upgrades.
Said Schumacher: "I feel like I have a brand-new home. I don't have to worry anymore. … I will never forget Jerry and his crew."
What can be done?
Broken water heaters, drafty floors, unsafe wiring, and poor ventilation often appear together in older homes. If a household qualifies for assistance through programs such as LIHEAP or Weatherization Plus Health, the support may extend far beyond the original complaint.
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For households shopping for a replacement system, Cala offers another option. Cala's customizable smart heat pump water heaters can help homeowners lower energy bills by heating water only when needed. That kind of control could be especially appealing for people trying to avoid the repeated waste and inconvenience Schumacher experienced. Homeowners considering upgrades may want to look at smart, schedule-based systems like Cala.
Where can I learn more?
Below are articles on insulation incentives, weatherization programs, and rebates that can help cover home energy improvements.
• Many households can tap government help for insulation and cut heating costs quickly.
• Across the U.S., weatherizing an older home can lower bills and improve comfort.
• Federal tax credits make insulation upgrades more affordable for homeowners battling drafts.
• The Inflation Reduction Act could put up to $14,000 toward major efficiency remodels.
• New rebate programs can fund electric upgrades and remodels that trim monthly bills.
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