Tag Archives: Weatherization

As Fairbanks energy woes grow, so does list of home weatherization tips

From the Fairbanks Daily Newminer July 20, 2008

Home-heating fuel costs $4.69 per gallon, two dollars more than September of last year.

With winter creeping closer, building and energy professionals are busy trying to get Fairbanks energy healthy, and some residents are taking matters into their own hands by attacking energy inefficiencies at home.

Click here to read the full article.

Newsminer: Improving home energy efficiency can truly help Alaskans

From the Fairbanks Daily Newsminer July 6, 2008.

Record-high prices for home heating fuel and utilities are putting a squeeze on family budgets throughout Alaska. People aren’t too happy about the situation, and many are looking for help. Gov. Sarah Palin and state legislators are evaluating additional ways to provide that help, both for the immediate and the long terms.

They already took a crucial step earlier this year by approving $200 million for the state’s weatherization program and $100 million for the Energy Rebate Program. Both programs are administered by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. The money is being allocated on a regional basis in order to give all Alaskans a fair opportunity to participate in one program or the other.

Click here to read the full article.

Air Tightness and Blower Door Certification Class

Title: Air Tightness and Blower Door Certification Class
Location: Cold Climate Housing Research Center
Description: Alaska Building Science Network is holding several class on weatherization in cold climates. This class covers a portion of the total certificaiton.
Start Date:  June 5, 2008
Start Time: 8:00
End Date: June 6, 2008
End Time: 5:00

Preparing for winter in Fairbanks: An energy rating from a certified energy rater is a good choice for most

BY: Ryan Colgan & John Davies, Cold Climate Housing Research Center
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner May 29, 2008,  Section A3

Many in Fairbanks do not want to think about winter just as summer is arriving. However, there is no better time to prepare for winter and the high energy expenses that result from heating your home.

AHFC offers two programs to help those in the Alaska reduce the expense of home heating by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Continue reading

Newsminer: Rebate program begins for energy-efficient homes

From the Fairbanks Daily Newminer May 16, 2008

The Alaska Housing Finance Corp. kicks off a rebate program today to reimburse property owners for making their homes more energy-efficient.

The new program will supplement a long-running weatherization effort available to residents who earn up to, but not above, the state’s median income.

The rebate program and a dramatic expansion to the weatherization program come amidst — and in response to — rocketing energy prices.

Energy raters in Fairbanks said Wednesday they’re already busier than usual this spring with calls from people looking to cut their long-term heating bills at home.

The demand for home analyses will likely grow under the rebate program, which housing officials say is only available to homeowners who consult with a qualified energy rater.

Click here to read the full article.

AHFC Weatherization Program

In addition to providing funding for the Home Energy Rebate Program, the passing of Senate Bill 256 also allotted 200 million dollars to home weatherization programs in the state of Alaska. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) is expanding its current weatherization program which focused on low-income homes by revising the income guidelines from 60 percent of  the median poverty level to include up to 100 percent of the median poverty level with the passing of Senate Bill 289. Visit our blog for updates or check the AHFC website for additional information as it becomes available in the near future.

The Facts (see the AHFC Weatherization/Rebates page for additional information)

  • Alaskans who meet income requirements would be eligible for free weatherization assistance, similar to AHFC’s current program. The legislation increased current income limits from 60 percent of the median to 100 percent of the median to allow more Alaskans to qualify.
  • Alaskans may participate in either the rebate or the weatherization program, not both.
  • The goal is long-term energy savings.
  • Energy audits are required to determine the best energy improvements for a home. Once the improvements are completed, a follow-up inspection audit is used to verify completion.
  • There are training requirements for individuals and organizations performing work under this program.
  • This program focuses on existing homes, not new home construction.
  • Program funds may not be used for renewable energy systems.
  • AHFC is working with the five state weatherization agencies and 15 state designated regional housing authorities on implementation.
  • Income Guidelines for Weatherization provides a general idea of eligibility.

*The facts above are taken directly from the AHFC website.*

To assist you, AHFC has also published a list of energy raters and weatherization providers in the state of Alaska.

For additional information visit our blog, the AHFC Website, or call 1-877-325-2508.

Newsminer: Fairbanks North Star Borough mayor mulls state of emergency in energy crisis

From the Fairbanks Daily Newsminer May 1, 2008

Mayor Jim Whitaker will ask the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly to declare a state of emergency at its May 8 meeting. . .

The declaration would give the borough authority to accept funding from the Alaskan Housing Finance Corp. in an expedited process by suspending rules that would normally slow such a process. . .

The $300 million surplus was put into weatherization and energy efficiency programs run by the AHFC. The money is from a budget bill Gov. Sarah Palin signed into law last March.

Click here to read the full article. 

Survive the Energy Crisis

BY: Mike Musick, Cold Climate Housing Research Center
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner May 1, 2008,  Section A3

“Survive the Energy Crisis by Weatherizing, Retrofitting, and Green Building” was the title of a 45 minute seminar at the Interior Alaska Building Association Home Show that I recently co-presented with Jim Lee, Executive Director of Interior Weatherization Inc. The Carlson Center staff did a great job setting up more chairs as the people kept flowing through the double doors like migrating caribou. There is no doubt that the high cost of energy has gotten the attention of home owners in our community. Everybody wants to know what they can do to conserve energy in their homes while at the same time maintaining good indoor air quality in a safe, comfortable, durable, and affordable home.

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