Lansing homeowners may be eligible for free energy upgrades

Low-income ComEd homeowners may qualify for free upgrades through Chicagoland Vintage Home Association

By Josh Bootsma

LANSING, Ill. (August 16, 2021) – Energy bills can spike in the summer, especially during weeks like Lansing has had recently. Through the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program, ComEd customers in Lansing and some surrounding municipalities have the chance to have weatherization improvements made to their home for free.

Administered by the Chicagoland Vintage Home Association, the upgrades focus on “attic and sidewall insulation, air sealing, health and safety measures, and installation of energy-saving products,” according to chicagolandvintagehomes.org.

Applicant criteria

To qualify for the program, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Own a vintage single-family home built at least 30 years ago
• Home must be owner-occupied and receive electric delivery service from ComEd
• Home must be located in Lansing, Oak Forest, Midlothian, Posen, Crestwood, Thornton, Calumet City, or Blue Island.
• Household income of 80% Area Median Income (AMI) or lower—see below
  • Household size = 1   –   Maximum household income = $52,200
  • Household size = 2   –   Maximum household income = $59,650
  • Household size = 3   –   Maximum household income = $67,100
  • Household size = 4   –   Maximum household income = $74,550
  • Household size = 5   –   Maximum household income = $80,550
  • Household size = 6   –   Maximum household income = $86,500
  • Household size = 7   –   Maximum household income = $92,450
  • Household size = 8   –   Maximum household income = $98,450

Program steps

The first step in the program is to apply. The application takes a few minutes and can be completed online or printed and mailed/faxed to Chicagoland Vintage Home Association. The application is available at chicagolandvintagehomes.org/apply. The printable version is available here.

Chicagoland Vintage Home Association will then contact approved applicants to set up a home assessment. The assessment will determine areas in a home that are “prone to leaks and drafts.” The contractor will also review future work plans.

The final step is the weatherization work, which is scheduled by the homeowner. The work will vary based on the needs of each individual home.

For more information, visit chicagolandvintagehomes.org.