How Does Weatherization Work?
An energy auditor visits each family to decide which energy and money-saving measures would be most effective for the home. There are ten general measures the audtior may choose to increase energy efficiency and save money.
- General Heat Waste - Measures that reduce air infiltration and heat loss are implemented in the home. This typically includes caulking and weather stripping which, in recent years, has been guided by the use of advanced testing and an infrared camera.
- Attic Insulation - Insulation is installed to bring the attic up to an R-60 for electrically heated homes and R-50 for all other fuels.
- Wall Insulation - Wall insulation is installed where needed by a variety of methods to access wall cavities.
- Floor Insulation - Floor insulation is installed in floors over unheated basements or crawlspaces and in mobile home bellies.
- Perimeter Insulation - Insulation for the interior or exterior of the foundation is installed depending on existing conditions.
- Windows - Windows, or a series of window treatments, are installed to prevent or mitigate heat loss. These include the installation of window films and storm windows.
- Doors - Door treatments to reduce heat loss are used, including repair and replacement.
- Furnace Efficiency Measures - The heating systems will be tested for efficiency and safety purposes. Repair and/or replacement is allowed based on energy efficiency and savings to investment ratio.
- Electric Baseload Measures - Existing lighting is replaced with energy efficient lighting and high-usage refrigerators are replaced with new energy efficient models.
- Building Repairs - This meausre includes a variety of repairs to the house structure which are necessary to protect the integrity of eligible weatherization measures.
