Question: What is weatherization?

Answer: Weatherization describes the services and energy conservation measures applied to a dwelling to help reduce energy use. Proper weatherization results in a more comfortable home (especally during the hottest and coldest times of the year) and decreased utility bills. From installing simple measures such as weather stripping and storm windows, low-income weatherization has evolved into a technically 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 programs is to reduce heating and cooling costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety. The funds provided by Congress and administered by CSD are used to improve the energy efficiency of low-income dwellings using the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available in the housing industry.

The energy conservation resulting from the efforts of state and local agencies helps our country reduce its dependency on foreign oil and decrease the cost of energy for families in need, while improving the health and safety of their homes.  A typical household saves $193 a year on energy costs after weatherization is completed.

 

Question: What happens when my house is weatherized?

Answer: Weatherization professions perform a thorough home energy assessment to identify house-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, l, 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 cost-effective 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 a complementary element of a comprehensive weatherization program. This energy education instructs people in 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 shares, and use of the ventilation systems.

 

Question: Why should I weatherized my home?

Answer: The three 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.