12/3/2021

Home Energy Use – Part 3

How heavy is your energy burden? A 2020 study found that, in Charlottesville, nearly 5,000 homes spend over 6% of their annual income on home energy, over 4,000 spend over 10% and more than 800 homes spend over 20%. Your energy use affects energy prices and hence the energy burden of others, and vice versa. We’re all in this together.

Today’s Tips:

Calculate your energy burden: What do you spend annually for home energy? What percentage of your annual income is this? How would you feel if you were paying 20% of your income?

Community Housing Partners (CHP) helps people throughout our area reduce their energy burden through the VA Weatherization Assistance Program.

2021 Income thresholds: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/Docx/weatherization/income-limits.pdf

Case study of how they help with energy saving (air sealing, attic-wall-floor insulation, efficient fixtures [LEDs, showerheads], duct system tightening & repairs, water tank insulation, etc.) and health and safety in conjunction with energy saving (roof repair, ventilation, combustion appliance safety, plumbing & electrical repair, structural repair, etc.): https://www.communityhousingpartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Nancy-Lam-case-study-Copy2.pdf

Contact: Amory Fischer: amoryfischer@gmail.com

Questions/Comments/Tips: Jean at environment@uucharlottesville.org

Next: Home Energy 4

Past Newsletters: https://uucharlottesville.org/environmental-action-group/