Project Spotlight: Weatherization

Residents living at the Solomon Valley Apartments in Osborne, Kansas, are expected to see lower energy costs thanks to improvements completed through the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Weatherization assistance improvements at this multi-family apartment complex in Osborne increased comfort and energy efficiency for its tenants.

Improving Energy Efficiency for Affordable Housing

The Osborne Housing Authority, established in 1968, manages the Solomon Valley Apartments, a 40-unit affordable housing complex consisting of duplexes, four-plexes, and a six-plex. The newest units were constructed in 1982.

Through the Weatherization Assistance Program, the apartment complex received a variety of energy-saving improvements, including:

• Installation of more than 26,000 square feet of attic insulation

• Installation of nearly 8,600 square feet of sidewall insulation

• Air sealing improvements, including weatherstripping, caulking, and door sweeps

• New smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the complex

• Installation of 350 LED light bulbs

• Additional minor health and safety improvements

These upgrades are designed to improve comfort for residents while reducing energy consumption and utility costs.

Helping Families Save Energy and Money

The Weatherization Assistance Program helps income-eligible households lower their energy bills by improving the efficiency of their homes. On average, weatherized households save $283 or more each year on energy costs.

The program is offered at no cost to qualifying families, and the North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) administers the program across 41 Kansas counties.

"Many of our clients are residents living in single-family homes," said Kendra Ryser, NCRPC Weatherization Director. "When we get the opportunity to complete a multi-family unit project like the one in Osborne, it is rewarding knowing the program is positively impacting more residents at one time."

Meeting a Regional Need

Ryser noted that many multi-family housing developments throughout the region could benefit from weatherization services. The first step for property owners and eligible households is submitting an application.

Because of high demand, there is currently a waiting list for services.

"They were on the waiting list for about two years," Ryser said. "The work then took about three months and was completed in March of this year. The process was not quick, but the benefits will hopefully last a long time."

To view maximum income guidelines or learn more about available services, visit the NCRPC Weatherization page.

Did You Know?

October is Energy Awareness Month, and Weatherization Day is recognized each year on October 30. Nationally, the Weatherization Assistance Program has helped weatherize more than 8.1 million homes during its more than 40-year history.