LIHEAP Furnace Repair and Replacement Program
Provides furnace repair and replacement to owner-occupied homes in Whatcom, Island, and San Juan counties that are LIHEAP eligible. Households must first apply for LIHEAP and satisfy all requirements of the LIHEAP program before a referral is made.
Projects are coordinated by staff at Opportunity Council and use qualified area contractors to complete the work. Typical work includes repairing or replacing air handlers, baseboards, wall heaters, furnaces, and venting systems. Please note that we do not offer duct cleaning. Determining whether a project is a repair or replacement is at the discretion of program staff and contractors. Unfortunately, we do not have any contractors able to service propane furnaces in recreational vehicles (RVs).
Interested homeowners should contact your nearest community office center (see sidebar) for information on how to apply.
Weatherization
Improves a home’s energy efficiency, durability, indoor air quality and addresses health and safety concerns. Weatherization services focus on attic, floor and wall insulation, reducing drafts, heating system cleaning and safety inspection and ventilation improvements. Available for both homeowners and renters with landlord permission. Contact us for eligibility requirements.
Weatherization Plus Health
Identifies indoor air quality improvements for a home, including mold and moisture reduction, pest mitigation and air quality improvements that can help reduce asthma triggers and improve indoor environments. Available for both homeowners and renters with landlords permission. Contact us for eligibility requirements.
Home Repair Loan
Deferred, low-interest loans may be provided to income-qualifying homeowners to address repairs that focus on: home foundation repair or installation, roof repair or replacement, plumbing, electrical, septic siding, floor, gutters or other repairs to help meet safety standards. Contact us for eligibility requirements.
City of Bellingham Mobile Home Repair
Opportunity Council partners with the City of Bellingham to assist homeowners with limited repairs that can address health and safety, durability issues, and energy efficiency measures. Contact us for eligibility requirements.
NW Clean Air Agency’s Woodstove Change-Out
Opportunity Council partners with Northwest Clean Air Agency to provide residents in the Columbia Valley of Whatcom County by replacing old wood stoves with new, certified wood or pellet stoves and installing electric ductless heat pumps. Available for both homeowners and renters with landlords permission. Contact us for eligibility requirements.
Community Energy Challenge
The Community Energy Challenge makes achieving energy efficiency as easy as possible, providing homeowners with a full energy audit at a discounted rate, a comprehensive report detailing cost-effective measures, ongoing consultation, quality assurance, and financial incentives. Small businesses can improve energy efficiency with a similar suite of services. This service is available in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties.
Building Performance Center (BPC)
BPC is an accredited training center that provides technical and certification trainings for the weatherization workforce. BPC conducts diagnostic testing services and lead hazard risk assessments and also helps homeowners by providing unbiased recommendations solving complex home performance issues around energy, durability and safety. Contact us if you are interested in training, certification, or diagnostic testing on your home.
ASL Services
A current list of Opportunity Council programs and services is available in American Sign Language
