Weatherization

Weatherization is an energy conservation program designed to reduce the home heating costs for families on limited incomes.

Appropriate weatherization procedures are determined by an energy audit. Heating costs are generally reduced by a combination of the following measures:

1. HEALTH & SAFETY – Air quality testing, heating system diagnostic testing, and general site inspections are performed to identify potential problems which might exist.
2. HEATING EFFICIENCY MEASURES – Designed to improve the operation of the heating system and may include cleaning, tuning, repairs and or replacements.
3. INFILTRATION MEASURES – Designed to reduce the air leakage from the home.
4. CONDUCTION MEASURES – Designed to reduce heat loss and gain from the interior / exterior of the home by installing insulation. Insulation may be installed in the ceiling, walls, heat ducts, floor, and/or water pipes. Other measures installed if energy savings are determined, include but are not limited to, the repair or replacement of windows and doors.
5. REPAIRS – Repairs that may be needed to help preserve or protect the material that has been installed and maintain the structural integrity of the home.

Eligibility for Weatherization

Eligibility for weatherization and fuel assistance is based on your income and assets. To be eligible, you must make no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. If your household receives benefits from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program, you may qualify automatically for weatherization or fuel assistance.

How to Apply

Begin by applying for Low-Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP). Please review the LIEAP page for further information and application instructions.

You may also apply for weatherization assistance or an emergency situation with a furnace or water heater at any time during the year by contacting RMDC’s Weatherization Office at (406) 495-9901.

Receiving Assistance

All approved applications are ranked according to degree of need and placed in “priority groups.” Special priority is given to older adults and disabled individuals. If your application is approved but you’re not in a priority group and if you don’t receive assistance within a year of your application date, please reapply.

What happens if I am selected to have my home weatherized?

An energy auditor will set up a time to visit with you about your home’s needs for weatherization materials. The auditor is trained to determine the most cost-effective weatherization measures for your home. These measures may include a furnace tune-up, caulking, client education, insulation, weather-stripping, storm windows, replacement of broken glass, or repair of exterior doors.

Weatherization workers may not be able to install all the materials you need, but they will do the most important weatherization within the dollar limits allowed. In some cases it may not be cost effective to install any weatherization measures.

When your home is scheduled for weatherization work, a crew or an independent contractor will come to install the necessary materials in your home. After the work is completed, you will be asked to sign a statement indicating that you believe the work was done properly and to your satisfaction.

Fuel Bill Assistance

If you are eligible for fuel assistance, the payment amount is figured according to your household income, the size and type of your home, and the kind and cost of fuel. Most often, payments are made directly to your utility company or fuel supplier.

Help Yourself

To help you with weatherization strategies-many of which you can do yourself- the Montana State University Extension Service offers many resources. Contact the MSU Extension Office for brochures on these topics (and many others):

• Top Ten Home Energy Saving Tips
• Air Sealing – Keep Heat Where it Belongs
• Cool Your Home Naturally
• Energy-Efficient Lighting
• Water Heater Maintenance
• Storm Windows
• Home Insulation Choices
• Attic Insulation
• Insulating Side Walls of Existing Homes
• Floor and Foundation Insulation
• How to Save Energy
• Gas Appliances and Your Health
• Indoor Air Quality
• How You Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Controlling Condensation
• Energy Tips for Mobile Homes
• Power Bill’s Home Energy Activities

These are equal opportunity programs. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, disability, political beliefs, or religion, write or call the state Office of Fair Hearings, P.O. Box 202953, Helena MT 59620-2953; 406-444-2470.