Grand Forks: 40th anniversary of program that winterizes homes at no charge

Winter is almost here, but there’s help available for many folks around our viewing area, who want to make sure their home is warm and energy efficient this year.

It’s the 40th Anniversary of a popular government program that can keep you or someone you know, warm this winter.

Local, state and national coordinators of WAP, the Weatherization Assistance Program gathered in Grand Forks today to look at the program in action.

Here at Deb Hollie’s house, they’re adding insulation to the basement walls and sealing windows around the house.

Deb Hollie, Grand Forks: “Yeah, it’s an old house. It was built in 1915 and it’s kind of drafty.”

Reporter: “This should cut your heat costs a bit?”

Hollie: “Yeah, that’s the hops. Yeah.”

The program is for folks who meet income guidelines. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter it can make your home a lot warmer this winter, while reducing your heating costs.

Officials say this weatherization project will save the average homeowner $240 a year in energy costs, plus over $500 a year in medical expenses.

Dave Rinebolt, Weatherization Assistance Program: “You will have fewer sick days off work, fewer hospital visits, less health problems. You know kids, we have an asthma problem in this Country. When you weatherize a house, you eliminate a lot of the asthma triggers.”

Reporter: “This is very useful for those on a fixed income?”

Bruce Hagen, Weatherization Assistance Program: “Yes, absolutely. And those are priorities, elderly, disabled and people with small children are prioritized. So, that’s who we try to serve first.”

The WAP program has helped over 7-million homeowners here in the Valley and across the Country over the last 40-years.

You can find out more about all this by contacting the Community Action Program in your region.

North Dakota residents call: 800-726-7960

Minnesota residents call: 651-645-7425