Question: What is weatherization?

Answer: Weatherization are the things done to a home to help reduce energy use. Weatherization creates a more comfortable home (especally during the hottest and coldest times of the year) and results in a lower utility bills. From installing simple measures such as weather stripping and storm windows, weatherization has evolved into a sophisticated approach that is based on site-specific diagnostic testing and targeted treatments.

The main measures provided by weatherization programs today include:

• in-home energy education
• energy-related home repairs
• blower-door guided air sealing
• heat system safety tests, repairs, and tune-ups (and replacements for safety reasons)
• duct insulation and sealing
• attic insulation
• hot water savings measures (insulation blankets and low-flow showerheads)

Question: How can I get my home weatherized?

Answer: Contact the Energy Service Provider in your community.

 

Question: What weatherization programs does CSD offer?

Answer: CSD administers two federally-funded programs which provide weatherization services at the local level: the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and  the  Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE WAP).

The mission of the weatherization program is to reduce heating and cooling costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children.  We do this by improving the energy efficiency of homes while ensuring health and safety.

Weatherization helps our country reduce its dependency on oil and decreases the cost of energy for families in need.  A typical household saves $418 a year on energy costs after weatherization is completed.

 

Question: What happens when my house is weatherized?

Answer: Weatherization professionals perform a complete home energy assessment to identify specific deficiencies and opportunities for energy conservation. This assessment can take two to four hours.

The assessment includes:

• visual inspection to document current efficiency levels of the building itself, as well as installed equipment and lighting
• diagnostic testing on the building envelope (walls) and air distribution system to find where air is currently leaking out
• checking the efficiency of heating and cooling equipment
• checking for potential health hazards such as applicance that may be leaking carbon monoxide
  
  After the assessment, the costs and energy savings for each energy conservation opportunity are identified and the best opportunities are selected. House repairs necessary for the proper performance of selected measures are also identified.
  
  Once energy conservation opportunities are identified, experienced installers make the repairs and install the improvements.
  
  Energy education for the occupants is part of a good weatherization program. Energy education teaches those who live in the home the proper operation and maintenance of new or existing energy systems so that the full potential of these systems is realized. Topics frequently covered in energy education include filter changing, thermostat operation, strategies to reduce cooling load such as closing window shades, and proper use of the ventilation systems.

 

Question: Why should I weatherize my home?

Answer: The four main benefits to having your home weatherized:

• savings on your monthly utility bills
• knowing that your home has been checked for carbon monoxide
• a more comfortable and energy efficient home
• reduced energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gasses and a healthier environment