News 12 This Morning / Monday, October 18, 2010

AUGUSTA, Ga.---Turning on the heat to stay warm may burn a hole in your pocket if you're not careful. One non-profit even sees an increase in people asking for assistance to help weather proof their homes, and you can do it on a budget too.

Hardware stores are stocked with materials to help keep the heat in your house, foam tape, weather stripping, and spray foam that helps your house stay airtight.

When Mary Jackson opened up her electric bill she got a big suprise.

"268 now 268 a month ...Yeah that's a pretty big number" she said.

She got a little help from the weatherization assistance program. They checked every corner of her house for cracks, gaps, and everything in between

"Make sure you're windows have the proper windows strip whether it be winyl or metal that assist in air sealing too." said Keesha Johnson who coordinates the program. She says more people are asking for assistance as rates rise and it gets harder to pay the bill.

"Well I hope it'll be a lot of difference because the doors are sealed....I didn't know I needed insulation" Jackson added. Making a house airtight could save you $437 dollars a year or 35% of your evergy bill and you don't need a professional. "We don't have to come do it if you know how to do it thats even better" Johnson explained.

Simple things like sealing up your doorway with weather stripping, calking your windows, and checking your cabinet for gaps in the pipes could save you hundreds. As Mary sorts through her bills she's hopeful at least one of them will be lower next time around...
The weatherization assistance program started in 2008, it's fairly new. You can contact Keesha Johnson at 706-945-1616 to see if you qualify for the program.