A better-sealed, more-insulated home with advanced duct sealing will improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. This will help reduce symptoms of certain respiratory conditions and provide peace of mind for those living with asthma or allergies.
Various state, local and utility rebate programs exist to make weatherization more affordable. For example, NYSERDA offers a Comfort Home rebate.
Energy Efficiency
Keeping your home more energy efficient is a smart and affordable investment. Home weatherization improvements, like insulation and air sealing, reduce energy waste, improve indoor comfort and increase your HVAC’s lifespan. Plus, federal tax credits for these upgrades have been increased as of January 2023.
A no-cost energy audit determines whether your house is eligible for weatherization services. An energy auditor will walk-through your home and identify problem areas, such as drafty windows or inefficient appliances. Once you’re approved for the program, your contractor will install energy efficiency measures to help you save money on heating and cooling.
Insulation adds a layer of protection to your walls, floors and attic spaces, keeping heat from escaping in winter and cold air from blowing in during summer. Window replacement and installation of storm doors are also common weatherization practices, reducing heating and cooling costs by preventing unwanted airflow.
Low-income communities are disproportionately burdened by high utility bills, and energy efficiency initiatives provide a means to help reduce these costs. This helps families spend less on energy and frees up income to cover other household necessities, like food or healthcare. IREC plays a role in quality assurance for the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Training Centers through our Credentialing Program. We work to ensure that training providers deliver high-quality instruction and provide comprehensive, effective weatherization services.
Reduced Utility Bills
In addition to making homes more comfortable and affordable, energy-saving improvements reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is a key step towards meeting our climate goals and improving the overall sustainability of communities.
Weatherization is a free, comprehensive whole-house energy efficiency improvement program for income-eligible households. Its first step is an energy audit. This involves a certified professional who tests the home and identifies areas for improvement. The program includes a variety of measures, including air sealing, insulation, door and window upgrades, and ventilation improvements. It is implemented locally through a statewide network of local service providers.
The scopes of work vary across counties, but typically include the installation or upgrade of heating systems, insulation, air sealing, and efficiency improvements to hot water heaters, lighting, and refrigerators. The work also helps make buildings electric-ready and, in some cases, all-electric by converting existing appliances to newer models that use significantly less energy.
Energy cost savings from weatherization are expected to be in excess of 20%. Some of this savings could be attributed to a “rebound effect,” where householders may adjust their energy use to compensate for the lower utility bills. But multiple studies, including the E2e project and a forthcoming ORNL national evaluation, have found that rebound effects are negligible.
Improved Comfort
Adding insulation, air sealing, and upgrading windows work hand-in-hand to make your home more comfortable by keeping the warmth in during the winter and cool in the summer. This whole-building approach reduces drafty rooms and hot/cold spots, improves indoor air quality (which supports healthy sleep and helps with asthma triggers), and can eliminate mold and mildew problems.
Taking a holistic approach to home weatherization is the most effective way to lower utility bills, boost comfort and safety, and make your house healthier and more energy efficient. Taking advantage of utility rebates can help you get these upgrades done more quickly and affordably.
The CDCLI offers low-income households an opportunity to take the first step towards a more energy-efficient, comfortable and affordable home with its Home Energy Solutions (HES) program. HES includes a comprehensive energy assessment and remedial weatherization, completed by an approved BPI-certified contractor, at no cost to the home.
Peoples Gas residential customers can maximize their comfort and savings at home with the WRAP. Eligible single-family homes, two-flats and individually metered condos can receive a rebate for insulation and air sealing, as well as advanced wood heat pumps. Unlike traditional loans, the cost of WRAP is attached to your utility bill and stays with your home if you sell it or change ownership. Learn more about this innovative and flexible financing option here.
Reduced Emissions
Weatherization helps reduce the amount of electricity and natural gas used in homes, reducing energy-related emissions. In addition, insulation and air sealing help prevent drafts that may otherwise lead to mold, pest infestation, or damage to appliances and furnishings.
As winter approaches, residents are looking for ways to lower their heating bills and stay comfortable at home. One way to do this is by having their home weatherized through a rebate offered by the local utility or state energy program.
PSE’s residential weatherization program offers a $1,000 incentive for customers who meet the eligibility requirements (click to see if you qualify). This program is administered by an independent contractor, Authorized Contractor, who will perform a variety of energy efficiency measures in the participant’s home. PSE does not guarantee that the participating homeowner will achieve energy savings as a result of the installation of these measures.
Despite its positive impacts, many income-eligible households are not able to take advantage of the Weatherization program due to other maintenance needs that would require costly repairs prior to the completion of an energy audit, such as roof repair or mold remediation. To address this challenge, utilities and other community leaders should consider providing pre-weatherization services to ensure that weatherization is able to deliver the health co-benefits and climate benefits intended.
Currently, most rebates and tax credits for energy upgrades are structured as tax credits or rebates for homeowners only, leaving out the nearly one-third of Americans who rent their homes. Ideally, new residential clean energy incentives should be designed specifically to address the needs of subsidized rental housing.