For Low-Income Families and Elderly... Nebraska Receives $2.49 Million to Weatherize Homes The U.S. Department of Energy awarded $2.49 million to the Nebraska Energy Office to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of low-income families. The Energy Office estimates that 564 homes will be weatherized in the state as a result of this grant. �This weatherization assistance grant will save energy, lower energy costs, and increase the health and comfort of the homes of thousands of families,� Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said. Blowing in attic insulation Saves Hundreds of Dollars a Year Low-income families spend an average of 14 percent of their income on energy, compared with 3.5 percent for the average American according to the Department of Energy. Weatherization reduces an average home�s energy costs by $218 a year. The program gives a priority to low-income households with elderly members, people with disabilities and children. Since the weatherization program began in 1979, Nebraska has received $88.17 million to make improvements in more than 54,400 homes. An estimated 55,000 homes of Nebraskans remain eligible for weatherization services. In addition to funds from the U.S. Department of Energy, a small portion of the state�s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are also used to weatherization houses. The vast majority of these funds are used to pay for heating and cooling bills for low-income Nebraskans. Energy Audit using blower door Local weatherization service providers perform energy audits to identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, which typically include adding insulation, reducing air infiltration, servicing the heating and cooling systems, and providing health and safety diagnostic services. The federal energy agency estimates that for every dollar spent, weatherization returns $1.40 in energy savings over the life of the improvements. Other benefits include increased housing affordability, increased property values, job creation, lower owner and renter turnover, and reduced fire risks. Find Out More Additional information on free home weatherization services in the following areas can be found at:
  • wx/localcontacts.htm">Local Contacts
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  • wx/improvements.htm">Typical Improvements
  • wx/wxquestions.htm">Frequently Asked Questions

Since weatherization services are limited, Nebraskans who cannot qualify for services are encouraged to make improvements on their own. There are a number of resources to help identify the most cost effective savings, including:

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