Housing authority offering weatherization upgrades

Northern Nevadans who need help weatherizing their homes for the winter but find themselves unable to afford the upgrades can turn to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority for help.

"These are tremendous upgrades," said Mike Hynick, weatherization technician for the housing authority. "We can replace furnaces, and put in dual-pane windows, insulate attics and floors, even replace an energy-hog refrigerator with a new energy-efficient one."

Working in partnership with Nevada Housing Division, the authority's Weatherization Assistance Program helps reduce the cost of utilities and improve energy conservation for low-income Nevadans.

Assistance is provided free of charge for those living in single-family homes, multi-family units and mobile homes, as long as they meet certain income qualifications, Hynick said.

Generally, to qualify, a family of four can't make more than $44,000 and two people in the home can't make more than $29,140, he said, but anyone who feels they might be eligible should go to the Web site or call for more information.

One of the services provided is diagnostic testing of the home to determine where heat leaks might be occurring and upgrades installed, he said.

Local recipients of previous years' programs were amazed at the difference the upgrades made in their power bills.

"From Mike and his inspection to insulating the attic, sealing the door and vent leaks, to the new refrigerator, every person gave me nothing but their very best," said homeowner Dennis McDonnell. "Now I'm happy to report my NVEnergy bill went down 35 percent."

Another homeowner, Patrick Gavin, agreed.

"Within two weeks, the weatherization folks had done the testing and completed the repairs. I just received my utility bill for this month and it's beautiful. They saved me over 50 percent this month," Gavin said.

The NRHA serves Carson City and Lyon, Douglas and Storey counties.

Office hours are from

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to noon Friday.

The office is located at 3695 Desatoya Dr. in Carson City. For more information, call 283-0099.

The housing authority hopes to exceed last year's goal by upgrading 200 homes in time for winter, Hynick said.

"Please give us a call," he said.