ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Frigid conditions can be especially hard for people living in older homes.
Weatherization updates can be a pricey fix many can't afford.
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A program in Roanoke allows almost 135 homes a year to get these updates free of charge.
The home weatherization program is offered by total action for progress.
It is funded by donations from the community, the department of energy, social services and HUD.
Through the program, low income families can have the necessary updates needed to make their home warmer in the winter, and overall more energy efficient.
A sixty five year old home in southwest Roanoke has seen a lot through years, and although owner, 79-year-old Carol Bottomly keeps it in pristine condition, it's outdated design was no match for the frigid temperatures.
"It was just hard to heat. I'm cold-natured anyway so I had the heat up as far as I could stand it and just bundled up in blankets," Bottomly said.
For fifteen years, her home has stayed cold in the wintertime, no matter how high the thermostat was set the temperature remained low while the utilities bills skyrocketed.
"In the winter my gas bill would be way up," Bottomly said.
And for low income individuals, high utility bills are a problem. It's a pricey fix to weatherize the home.
That's where TAP steps in.
Mrs. Bottomly qualified for their assistance, and in just days they insulated her home. That update made her home warmer and her utility bills lower. Rick sheets is the director of the program, he says their goal is to help households on a budget reduce their energy costs and have a better quality of living.
"If you have to choose between an energy bill, whether it is gas, electricity, or oil between food and medicine we help to reduce the energy load on the home so that they can make some other choices," Sheets said.
And for Mrs. Bottomly who lives alone and would be unable to make or afford the repairs herself;it's made all of the difference this winter.
"Its been a blessing. You can tell how cozy my house is right now and it stays this way."
A welcomed change in winter 2015.
TAP averages about eight to ten home weatherizations a month.
They do rely heavily on outside funding to keep the program going, so if you would like to donate, or you might need this type of assistance, information can be found on their website.