Low-income residents in Westmoreland County could receive free furnaces, hot water heaters, windows and other weatherization materials later this year as part of a $6 million state grant.

Westmoreland County Housing Authority officials this week announced the agency has secured the state Department of Energy funding, which will more than double the scope of the weatherization program and add 24 employees.

"We're excited about it. It will help a lot of low-income homeowners in Westmoreland County," said authority Executive Director Mike Washowich.

The authority is required to spend at least half of the grant — $3 million — in the next year. That will enable as many as 800 homeowners to receive assistance. The program will pay up to $6,500 for each home to replace items such as furnaces and hot water heaters. Insulation, windows and other items also are eligible for replacement.

Eligibility for the program is based on income. A person living alone with an income of less than $21,666 a year qualifies for weatherization assistance, according to state guidelines. A family of four with an annual income of less than $44,100 is eligible.

Dan Fajt, director of the nonprofit subsidiary that administers the authority's weatherization program, said that since July 2008, 348 homes have received benefits. There are 354 applications pending for participation in the program.

The authority's weatherization budget is $961,000, according to Fajt.

Officials said they expect to receive the additional state funds by September.

Because of the large volume of work that is anticipated, Washowich said two dozen workers will have to be hired for the installations. The 24 employees will be added to a staff of 14 installers now on the payroll.

"This will help a lot of displaced workers," Washowich said.

Authority officials are expected to begin hiring this month and have the new employees on the job by September.

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