Troy, NY – October 28, 2016 – This year the US Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is celebrating 40 years of improving energy efficiency in homes of income eligible people. Since 1976, the WAP has weatherized more than $7.4 million homes, saving low-income families an average of $250-$450 per year in heating, cooling and electric costs.  Observed each October 30, National Weatherization Day celebrates the success of the program that not only saves energy, but also improves the health and safety of thousands of families each year.

Locally, CEO provides weatherization services to residents in Rensselaer County. Last year, CEO completed work on 144 homes, nearly doubling the anticipated goal. Common weatherization methods include air and duct sealing, wall and attic insulation and furnace repair and replacement. Dedicated to helping people lower their utility costs, these changes reduce the amount of energy needed to heat homes and provide hot water, making homes energy efficient and more affordable.

“I would recommend the program to everybody,” said Mildred Williams of Troy. Knowing that she needed work done on her home, Williams reached out to CEO’s Weatherization Assistance Program for help. After completing an energy audit, CEO’s WAP staff added insulation to the walls and basement, repaired the furnace and added carbon monoxide detectors in her home. “My house is much more comfortable”, said Williams, “and one of the most pleasing things is my heating bill is a fraction of what it was.”

To learn more about Mildred’s story, watch this short video clip.

To learn more about CEO’s Weatherization Assistance Program, please visit CEO’s website at www.ceoempowers.org.