Emergency Heating Assistance
The Challenge…
Susan calls Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) saying she had no heat. She has been on disability due to severe health issues, and although her husband is working, their income barely covers their monthly expenses. BCAC sent a heating contractor to the house to restore heat. Upon the service call, the contractor found many issues including cracked boiler, piping to vent had separated from the chimney, and an oil tank that desperately needed replacement.
The Solution…
BCAC confirmed the contractor’s findings and discovered that the chimney also needed repair and a new chimney liner. With resources from HEARTWAP (Heating System Repair and Replacement program) and the utilities, BCAC was able to replace the boiler, oil tank, and the chimney liner. Since the house hadn’t been updated in years, a BCAC Home Performance Energy Auditor did an audit, and found they are eligible for insulation and window replacement. Their energy burden will be greatly reduced. Susan and her husband are now safe and warm and using less energy.