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DICSA open house to highlight weatherization, other services

By TERRI CASTELAZ, Staff Writer 4 min read

IRON MOUNTAIN -- What's behind the walls can make a big difference when the heating bill arrives.

The Dickinson Iron Community Services Agency will highlight its weatherization program and other available resources during a special event Friday.

The public is invited to DISCA's Weatherization Day and Open House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Denim Heart building, 621 N. Hooper St. in Kingsford.

"We want to make the community aware of all the important services DISCA has to offer," Weatherization Director Dave Santi said.

All nine DISCA programs will be represented during the open house, giving residents an opportunity to learn about available resources.

Programs will include weatherization, transportation, nutrition services, food assistance, in-home care for seniors, Family Ties, water assistance, diaper assistance and Denim Heart.

Weatherization Assistant Director Lynn Golfis said each program director will be available to answer questions.

The team will conduct several weatherization demonstrations, including how to properly insulate walls, Santi said.

DISCA's weatherization program aims to assist homeowners and renters in reducing heating costs.

"Our main goal is to make homes more energy efficient," Santi said.

The program addresses wall, attic and floor insulation; duct sealing and insulation; caulking and weather stripping; door sweeps; blower-door testing; and minor roof repairs.

Before work begins on a residence, the weatherization crew conducts a home assessment to determine what improvements are needed and whether the home qualifies for the program.

"We have to look at the entire condition of the house and all of its issues," Santi said.

He noted that health and safety is an important part of the assessment. They will check furnaces and hot water heaters, make sure there is adequate fresh air entering the home, inspect dryer venting and test gas appliances.

Golfis said many people are unaware they will replace smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when needed.

The evaluation can sometimes uncover problems homeowners did not know existed.

"I recently talked to a lady we did a year ago, and she said if we had not come in she wouldn't have known her furnace had a gas leak," Golfis said.

The program focuses on energy efficiency and health and safety rather than cosmetic improvements, Santi explained. "We don't replace windows or siding, but can complete minimal repairs, such as small roof repairs and sealing air leaks," he adds.

After a home is weatherized, DISCA follows up 12 months later to review utility information and determine whether the improvements were cost effective.

Homeowners also receive energy education from DISCA staff on ways to keep energy costs down throughout the year.

The program serves six counties -- Dickinson, Iron, Alger, Marquette, Gogebic and Ontonagon.

"We are a little spread," Golfis said.

Because of the large service area and a current waiting list, Golfis encourages anyone interested in weatherization to contact DISCA as soon as possible.

The program follows federal income guidelines. There is no age requirement, and households of all sizes may qualify.

"We help from young to older adults, as well as those who are disabled," Santi said.

Golfis said the program can serve everyone from a single-person household to a family of 10.

There is no charge to homeowners for eligible weatherization work, although landlords are required to pay a fee.

Santi also stressed that weatherization is not an emergency service.

"Many people think when the cold weather hits we are able to respond immediately," he said.

Homes that have been weatherized within the past 15 years are not eligible.

DISCA's weatherization program is funded through U.S. Department of Energy federal grants and other supplemental funding.

The Denim Heart store will also be open for shoppers during the event. The Curious Pig food truck will be on site offering lunch to participants.

If weather doesn't cooperate, the event will be moved inside the Denim Heart warehouse.

Those interested in learning more about weatherization or any of DISCA's other programs can call 906-774-2256 and ask for the appropriate department. Information is also available online at www.dicsami.org or in-person at the DISCA office at 1238 Carpenter Ave. in Iron Mountain.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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