MAKING HOMES MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT - IL Gets $97 Million in Fed Money to Weatherize Area Homes!
STATE EXPECTS TO WEATHERIZE 22,000 HOMES WITHIN THE YEAR!
Older, Brick Homes!
They are a staple construction material for older homes here in the City of Chicago, and across the older suburbs. But, unfortunately, brick is not energy efficient. Often times, the only wall insulations in the old Chicago Bungalows was laid-in newspaper - which often proves quite nostalgic for those renovating their older homes here in the city and the Chicago Suburbs, but does little to keep out cold air, or reduce heating bills.
Across the country, the Federal Government plans to invest a record $5 Billion to weatherize homes this winter. The money is going to lower-income families - those with a family income cap not to exceed $44,000.
Here in Illinois, $97 Million in money to weatherize older homes was awarded this past summer. This winter season, according to a report in today's Chicago Tribune by Reporters James Janega and David Ingold, the state expects to weatherize 22,000 homes. In 2008, only 7,800 homes were weatherized using federal grant money.
Those who earn too much to qualify for the Weatherization Grants can still make their home more energy efficient at low cost, perhaps as simply as installing window and door weatherstripping, or sealing openings around doors. Generally, work is not too complicated.
But the right weatherization project could save as much as $300 in energy costs over the course of a year!
DEAN MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
