Free senior weatherization program achieves annual utility savings for more than 160 homeowners in first year

The Home Energy Retrofit Opportunities for Seniors (HEROS) program reduces utility costs by an average of $600 annually for qualified households

Carson City, NV - September 23, 2015

Last fall, the Nevada Housing Division partnered with the Governor's Office of Energy to launch the Home Energy Retrofit Opportunities for Seniors (HEROS) program. The program assists with reducing energy costs for qualified Nevada senior homeowners by improving the energy efficiency of their home at no cost.

Since September 2014, the HEROS program has helped 162 Silver State senior citizens make their homes more energy efficient allowing them to save money, conserve energy and live in healthier, safer homes.  The average household saves approximately $600 annually after participating in the weatherization program.

Qualified households may receive energy saving measures, such as: 

·         Insulation

·         Refrigerator replacement

·         Dual pane windows

·         Solar screens

·         LED lights

·         Furnace and air conditioner  repair or replacement

·         Water heater replacement

·         Duct and shell sealing

We are very pleased with the first year of the HEROS program.  It has been quite successful,” said Patrick Conway, Nevada Housing Division project and grants analyst. The impact of the program on senior homeowners is demonstrated by a testimonial received by a HEROS program participant who stated, “Thank you so very, very much. God Bless everyone who has worked so hard to give me a warm home.” 

The program continues to be available to qualified seniors statewide. The Division utilizes a network of non-profit service provider agencies across the state.  Each of these agencies retains local contractors with trained crews to perform the work. 

Those interested in the HEROS program who meet program qualifications should contact one of the following agencies directly to schedule an energy audit.

·         City of Las Vegas, southern rural Clark County: HELP of Southern Nevada, (702) 369-4357

·         City of Henderson: City of Henderson Neighborhood Services, (702) 267-2000

·         City of North Las Vegas, northern rural Clark County: Las Vegas Clark County Urban League, (702) 636-3949

·         Washoe County: Community Services Agency, (775) 786-6023

·         Carson, Douglas, Lyon, Storey counties: Nevada Rural Housing Authority, (775) 887-1795

·         Churchill, Esmerelda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Nye, Mineral, Pershing and White Pine counties: Rural Nevada Development Corporation, (775) 289-8519

For more information about the program, and other homeowner programs administered by the Nevada Housing Division, visit http://housing.nv.gov.

About NHD

Created by the Nevada Legislature in 1975, the Nevada Housing Division was enacted to encourage the investment of private capital and stimulate affordable housing financingby leveraging public funds. The Division provides low interest rate mortgages and down payment assistance to qualifying individuals and provides funding for affordable multi-family housing developments for seniors and families. 

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Contact

Teri Williams
Public Information Officer
(702) 486-0407