Leap (Colorado)And
Weatherization Help Keep Homes Warm
Since the beginning of the LEAP season on November 1, 2008, more than 62,000
"Most people would be surprised how much energy is wasted due to old appliances and leaks in their home," said Colorado LEAP director Todd Jorgensen. "By making a few household upgrades, families will use less heat and electricity, significantly reducing the amount they spend on their utility bill. If families cannot afford to make these changes, LEAP and E$P are available to help. "
Those who qualify for E$P will receive a free home energy kit as well as a home energy audit. The free kit includes six energy-saving light bulbs, one water-efficient showerhead and information on additional ways to lower utility bills. The free audit is performed by a certified energy auditor who travels to a family's home and assess areas where they can save both energy and their hard earned money. The auditor will also determine whether or not a family qualifies for further E$P services like insulation and appliance replacement.
To qualify for E$P a family must first apply for LEAP. Applicants must provide a copy of valid identification and a completed affidavit indicating that they are lawfully present in the
LEAP provides cash assistance to help families and individuals pay winter home heating costs. The program pays the highest benefits to those with the highest heating bills and lowest incomes by family size. Applicant income cannot exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty index, which equals a maximum income of $3,269.00 per month before taxes for a household of four people. The anticipated average LEAP benefit for 2008-2009 is approximately $430.00 per family.
The Governor's Energy Office lists the following as common factors that can contribute to wasted energy and that may be uncovered during an energy audit:
• While conventional gas and electric fueled tank water heaters are commonplace, they also have a tendency to lose energy through standby heat loss. This means that water is constantly being heated in the tank even when a hot water tap isn't running.
• Although efficient lighting fixtures are becoming more common, most homes and commercial buildings still use incandescent lighting. These bulbs burn unnecessarily hot with only about 10 percent of the energy they use actually being turned into visible light.
• Appliances and electronics consume 20 to 25 percent of the energy used in a home. The problem is that some of this equipment draws energy even when powered off called a "phantom load."
• When it's cold outside, homes lose heat because it naturally flows from warmer to cooler areas until the temperature equalizes. In a leaky home, heating and cooling systems will be constantly battling to keep the air at a constant temperature.
• Insufficient insulation is one of the leading causes of energy waste in buildings. A building should be insulated from top to bottom: the foundation, the floors, exterior walls, the HVAC system and especially the attic.
In addition to recognizing these problems, auditors are will offer solutions to curb the energy waste. Some of these solutions for those who qualify are the replacement of appliances (furnaces, refrigerators and freezers); insulation in attics and walls; and leakage reduction in walls, windows and ducts.
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To find out if you qualify for E$P as well as LEAP, call toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435). Applications for LEAP are accepted anytime between Nov. 1 and April 30 of each year. For more information about LEAP, please call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or visit www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/index.htm to view the most current program application requirements.