Tucson resident Isabel Sepulveda and her son are breathing easier and paying lower energy bills thanks to Tucson Electric Power’s weatherization assistance program.
“My son has a problem with asthma. With our old air conditioning system, it was aggravated all of the time,” said Sepulveda, who learned about the program from her mother. “Now, we both feel better.”
Since 1982, TEP has partnered with community assistance agencies to help limited-income customers weatherize their homes at no cost to them. Some of the retrofits and improvements available through the program include caulking, weather-stripping and roof painting, and the installation of insulation, replacement AC systems and low-flow water fixtures.
TEP partners with FSL Home Improvements and Pima County Community and Workforce Development to complete the improvements. Not only does weatherization improve a home’s energy efficiency, it also makes it safer and more comfortable.
Crews first walked through Sepulveda’s home, which was built in 1951, to conduct an energy assessment and test for ductwork leaks.
The weatherization team recommended replacing her old AC system with a high efficiency system to improve heating, cooling and ventilation. They also sealed air leaks around doors and windows, added insulation to the attic and installed sun screens over the windows to keep her home cooler in the summer.
“When you have an efficient AC system, sealed ducts and proper ventilation, the indoor air quality is greatly improved with cool dry air, which makes it easier to breathe,” said Victor Silvain, FSL Home Improvement Tech Supervisor.
Sepulveda and her son not only were more comfortable, but saw an immediate reduction in her monthly energy bills. “I was paying more than $100 a month on my electricity bills,” she said. “Now, they’re about half that amount.”
She encourages others who might qualify for weatherization assistance to apply. “I am very happy with the improvements they made. I’ve recommended this program to several of my friends,” Sepulvea said.
An average of 83 customers a year receive free weatherization assistance through TEP’s program. For eligibility requirements, customers are encouraged to visit tep.com/weatherization-assistance for more information.
