KCR working to protect homes

With temperatures hovering around the freezing mark and energy costs on the rise, many families in Kitsap County are feeling the pinch as they struggle to make ends meet and keep their homes warm and cozy.

Fortunately for some low-income families, Kitsap Community Resources’ weatherization program is there to lend a helping hand and keep the bitter cold from permeating their homes.

“Weatherization is the application of energy efficiency measures to a home,” explained KCR spokeswoman Kathleen Hackney. “These include ceiling, wall and floor insulation; closing heat-escaping gaps by caulking, weather stripping, or broken window replacement; and heating system improvements.”

The service is available to eligible homeowners and renters, based on income eligibility requirements, she said, noting that once KCR determines their eligibility, an energy audit of the home is conducted before a person is selected to participate in the program.

In addition to an energy audit, an assessment of electric base load measures (water heaters, refrigerators, compact fluorescent light bulbs, lighting fixtures, and space heaters) is conducted along with diagnostic tests, an energy-related health and safety assessment, client education, appropriate low-cost measures and applicable weatherization-related repairs, she said.

“We typically complete about 70 residences per year,” Hackney said. “There are also proposed changes to expand the weatherization program and allow more homes to be eligible for services.”

Weatherization projects include the repair of roofs, heating systems and water heaters; insulation of attics, water pipes, ducts, underfloor and wall/rim joints; and health and safety improvements like air quality and carbon monoxide projects.

To participate in the program, interested residents can apply at the KCR office at 1201 Park Ave. in Bremerton or call KCR at (360) 377-0053.