Sioux Falls SD, (KELO AM) - City of Sioux Falls Public Works has teamed up with Community Development in an effort to help low-income residents combat rising utility bills this winter. Public Works will provide residential energy efficiency kits to residents who qualify for any of the owner-occupied housing rehabilitation programs offered through Community Development.
The residential energy efficiency kits are valued at $50 and include two light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs, a smart electrical strip, plastic film for covering five windows, a weather strip, a hot water gauge, a refrigerator/freezer thermometer, and outlet and switch insulators. The kits are estimated to save residents approximately $100 per year on utility costs.
“Many of our clients are on fixed incomes and live in older housing that lacks good insulation and has inefficient windows, doors, and heating and cooling systems. Any opportunity to help them reduce their out-of-pocket expenses is greatly appreciated,” stated Brent Tucker, Community Development.
Below are some of the owner-occupied housing rehabilitation programs available to residents. Residents who qualify and are accepted for each of these programs will also receive an energy efficiency kit courtesy of Public Works to help further promote energy conservation.
- · Furnace Replacement Program
o Install new 95% efficient furnace.
o Two-thirds of loan amount diminishes after two years.
o Interest-free loan and no payment on loan until home is no longer owner-occupied.
- · Single-Family Rehabilitation Program
o Replacement of inefficient windows and doors.
o Insulation and weatherization of home.
o And much more.
- · Mobile Home Repair Program
o Replacement of inefficient windows and doors.
o Insulation and weatherization of mobile home.
o Installation of new high-efficiency furnace.
o Installation of new water heater.
o And much more.
A limited number of kits is available. To find out more about Community Development’s owner-occupied housing rehabilitation programs, please visit www.siouxfalls.org/community-development.