The Wisconsin winter is creeping closer.
Properly insulating a home is just one of many ways weatherization can save some dollars down the road.
The Social Development Commission (SDC) offers appliance tune-ups, energy efficient lighting and thermostat upgrades.
All services are free for low-income families, saving them money and saving the state more than $2 million in energy costs per year.
"There's no doubt about it, the return on the payment is probably with the first four to six years," said Gregory Disalvo, the Health and Safety Manager at the SDC.
Milwaukee's SDC hosted Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett along with other city and state officials Thursday to celebrate their 40-year partnership with the nation's weatherization assistance program.
"Especially up north and in the Midwest where we have some brutal winters, the whole energy issue becomes not just a problem from a financial perspective, but from health in making sure the people and our children have heat," said George Hinton, the CEO of the SDC.
The SDC weatherizes on average 600 Milwaukee County homes per year.
"It's spending that's done right here in our community, investing in homes, making those homes better places to live, and I think as a community that is near the top on how we improve the quality of life," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
In order to be a part of the weatherization program, you have to first apply for energy assistance. Click here to find out how to apply.
