A Safer, Warmer Home Through Energy Services
For many older adults living on fixed incomes, rising heating costs and home repair needs can quickly become overwhelming. Even after years of hard work and careful planning, maintaining a safe and comfortable home is becoming increasingly difficult for many families across our community.
A retired couple recently experienced these challenges firsthand after purchasing a small single story home built in the early 1900s. While excited to settle into their retirement home, they quickly realized the house was difficult to keep warm during the winter months. Despite filling their fuel oil tank several times each heating season, the home remained uncomfortable and drafty throughout much of the first floor.
Through LifeWorks Energy Services and the Weatherization Assistance Program, the couple received a full assessment of their home to identify opportunities for improvement. What initially appeared to be an insulation issue soon revealed several hidden safety concerns that needed immediate attention before weatherization work could begin.
The attic had very little insulation and showed no signs of proper air sealing, allowing heat to escape throughout the winter. Staff also discovered deteriorating chimney masonry caused by years of exhaust exposure without a protective liner, along with water damage entering through the chimney penetration. Even more concerning was the discovery of active knob and tube wiring in the attic, creating a serious fire hazard if insulation were added over it.
Addressing these issues required coordination with multiple specialists. Chimney repair professionals were brought in to repair and protect the chimney system, while electricians safely removed the outdated wiring. Once the home was safe for improvements, contractors were able to properly air seal, ventilate, and insulate the attic to improve the home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort.
As winter arrived, the homeowners immediately noticed the difference.
The couple shared that their home felt significantly warmer and more comfortable than in previous winters, while also reducing how often they needed to refill their fuel oil tank. The improvements not only lowered heating demands, but also brought peace of mind knowing their home was safer and better prepared for the future.
Because of your support and community partnerships, LifeWorks continues helping households create safer, healthier, and more energy efficient homes throughout our region.
