Floyd County furnace replacement program accepting applications

Press Staff Report

With the cold of winter approaching, Floyd County residents are reminded that those who qualify could have a new furnace installed in their home free of charge, or for a fraction of the usual retail price.

Tim Fox, vice chairman of the Floyd County Housing Trust Fund and executive director of the Charles City Area Development Corp., said the trust fund board of directors is now accepting applications for the 2020 Furnace Replacement Program.

Anyone residing within Floyd County who owns and lives in their home and whose furnace is at least 10 years old can apply.

“This is one of the most needed and well-appreciated programs that I have ever been involved with,” said Connie Parson, Floyd County Housing Trust Fund chairwoman. “We have installed over 400 furnaces in Floyd County and encourage all eligible residents to apply.”

People whose household incomes are less than the 30% median income average are eligible to apply to have 100% of the cost of a new furnace and installation paid for by the trust fund.

Those guidelines for household income are less than $23,070 for a one- or two-person household; less than $26,530 for a household with three to seven persons in it; and less than $27,487 for an eight-person household.

Persons whose household income is greater than the 30% median income levels but less than the 50% median income can apply to have 75% of the cost of purchase and installation of a new furnace paid by the trust fund — meaning they would pay only 25% of the cost.

The 50% median level income is $38,450 for one- and two-person households; $44,217 for a household with three to seven people in it; and $45,812 for an eight-person household.

To qualify, in addition to being below the household income levels, applicants must own and occupy the home, be current on property taxes and homeowner insurance, and the existing furnace must be at least 10 years old.

Applicants can specify their contractor of choice regarding the furnace purchase and installation.

Applications are being accepted through Dec. 20. They can be obtained from the Charles City Area Development Corp. at 401 N. Main St. in Charles City, and are available online at www.charlescityia.com or by email at tfox@charlescityia.com.

Completed applications can be sent to the Area Development Corp. address, faxed to 641-228-4744 or emailed to tfox@charlescityia.com.

For more information, contact Fox at that email address or 641-228-3020.

The trust fund is reaching out to underserved areas of the county concerning non-English speaking residents, and the application is available in Spanish and Tagalog.