ICAST may, at its own discretion, defer weatherization work on otherwise eligible units on a case-by-case basis. The determination will be based on the ICAST Safety Manual which considers the health and safety of staff, subcontractors, or clients.

The ICAST deferral policy is based on New Mexico Energy$mart Field Program Manual implemented by MFA. ICAST may defer or postpone weatherization services when certain conditions exist. The circumstances for deferral and postponement:

1. Postponement of Weatherization Services: ICAST may postpone weatherization services under the following conditions:
   1. A dwelling unit is vacant.
   2. A dwelling unit is for sale.
   3. A dwelling unit is scheduled for demolition.
   4. A dwelling proves to be dilapidated or structurally unsound and unsafe. Dilapidated

units are classified as those which do not provide decent, safe and sanitary shelter in

their present state and have defects so serious and numerous that the repairs

required to revive the structure to standard condition would not be economically

feasible.

1. A dwelling unit is deemed by the auditor to pose a threat to the health or safety of

the crew or contractor.

1. A mobile home is improperly installed (for example, within adequate supports).
2. A dwelling unit is uninhabitable (for example, a burned-out apartment).
3. A building is affected by mold and mildew and the area affected is too large for the weatherization crew or contractor to remediate.
4. The client is uncooperative with the weatherization agency or its contracted agent,

either in demanding that certain work be done, refusing higher priority work which

is needed, being abusive to the work crew or contractor or by being unreasonable in

allowing access to the unit. Every attempt should be made to explain the program

and the benefits of the work. If this fails, work should be suspended and MFA should

be consulted. In such cases, documentation is required.

1. Obvious discrepancies are found between the information supplied by the

client on the application and observed conditions at the time of weatherization. The

agency or contractor must resolve these discrepancies before weatherization work

can continue.

1. If, at any time prior to the beginning of work (work officially begins when the audit

is performed), the agency or contractor determines that the client is no longer

eligible or personnel believe that circumstances may have changed, the unit shall

not be weatherized until updated information can be obtained from the client.

1. There are rats, bats, roaches, reptiles, insects or other animals or varmints that are

inadequately or not properly contained on the premises.

1. There are health or safety hazards that must be corrected before weatherization

services may begin including, but not limited to:

1. The presence of animal feces and/or other excrement,
2. Disconnected waste water pipes,

iii. Hazardous electrical wiring,

1. The presence of unsafe levels of mold or mildew or unvented combustion appliances or actionable levels of ambient carbon monoxide.
2. There are illegal drugs or illegal activities occurring on the premises.
3. The client or owner is physically or verbally abusive to any personnel.
4. The dwelling unit or parts thereof are being remodeled and weatherization work is

not coordinated with a housing rehabilitation program.

1. The eligible household moves from the dwelling unit where weatherization activities

and services are in progress. In such a case, the agency or contractor must

determine whether to complete the work and the circumstances must be

documented in the client file.

1. One or more occupants in a dwelling have been diagnosed with a contagious and

life-threatening disease.

1. When a person’s health may be at risk and/or the work activities could constitute a

health and safety hazard, the occupant at risk will be required to take appropriate

action based on the severity of the risk. Failure or the inability to take appropriate

actions must result in deferral of the weatherization work.

1. In unusual situations not covered above or where other problems of a unique

nature exist, MFA should be consulted.

2. Deferral / Postponement Procedure: If ICAST cannot, or will not weatherize a dwelling unit, it will provide the client and owner or authorized agent with written notification of the deferral including why work is being deferred or postponed. Notification may include:
   1. The nature and extent of the problem(s) and how the problem(s) relate(s) to the determination not to weatherize the unit;
   2. Any corrective action required before weatherization services can be initiated;
   3. A time limit for correcting problems so that weatherization services may be rescheduled;
   4. The name of the person or entity responsible for correcting the problem(s); and
   5. The right of appeal.

Documentation justifying the decision to postpone or defer will be maintained in the client file.

Services may include but are not limited to the replacement or repair of:

• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system (“HVAC”);
• Installing ventilation to ensure adequate indoor air quality;
• Air and duct sealing;
• Insulating attics, floors, and walls;
• Installing energy efficient lighting;
• Energy Star appliances;
• Water conservation devices;
• Windows; and
• Insulating hot water tanks and pipes.

A multifamily property energy assessment is the first step to determining how much energy the property consumes and evaluating the measures that can be taken to make the property more energy efficient. An energy assessment will identify where the property is losing energy and may save significant amounts of money over time when corrected.

Assessors will use equipment such as blower doors, which measure the extent of leaks in the building envelope and reveal hard-to-detect areas of air infiltration. Additionally, they will visually inspect the heating and air conditioning ductwork for air leaks, determine the heating systems’ efficiency, check the water heater and its temperature setting, and inspect lighting, appliances, insulation, and more.

There is no charge to obtain an energy assessment. The program can provide many green upgrades to multifamily property owners at little to no cost.

The program is funded by DOE, New Mexico Gas, PNM, El Paso Electric, and the state of New Mexico.

For additional information and resources, please visit MFA here.