Although weatherization is slightly less glamorous than other home efficiency projects, it can be one of the most important steps you take. Often, the combination of all the cracks, gaps and uninsulated areas can equate to the heat loss/entry equivalent of leaving a window open year-round. Now is a wonderful time to assess your home’s weatherization needs as the technology has greatly improved over the last 10 years – your home has the potential to be more comfortable than ever!
What does the weatherization process include?
In order to weatherize your home, you first need to assess your electrical usage and determine where your home is losing energy. Assessing what needs to be completed can be done in partnership with an Energy Navigator, but may be additionally beneficial to have insights from a professional audit. Weatherization services may include air sealing, wall insulation, insulation for basement, attic or crawl spaces, changing ventilation mechanisms, weather stripping on windows and doors, and more.
What are the benefits of weatherization?
Key benefits from weatherization include: saving money on energy bills and increasing a home’s comfort, assisting with moisture control and deterring pests and pollutants. To understand more about the benefits of weatherization, particularly the impact it can have on your health, see a full list here.
Why is it so important that I weatherize my home before taking other steps?
While other actions can have a larger impact on greenhouse gas emissions, fully weatherizing your home can ensure that your heating and cooling mechanisms can work as efficiently as possible. Weatherization is proven to greatly increase the efficiency and potential savings from other appliances and technologies you install.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills from weatherization?
Savings inherently vary based on your home, what is needed and the extent of the projects you undertake. While colder climates, like ours, generally see higher savings from weatherization, factors like the size of your home and your energy use can impact the savings.
As an example – A customer who weatherizes and subsequently electrifies their home can save anywhere from $150 to $1,200 annually with most households saving between $500 and $800 per year. Some experts suggest that “modest weatherization measures like air sealing and increasing the quality and thickness of attic insulation can reliably reduce energy usage by 12% to 18%.” Read more about the analysis of costs, benefits and energy savings of weatherization.
Beyond energy savings – every dollar invested in weatherization returns $2.78 in non-energy benefits. It is estimated that lifetime health and household-related savings (like savings on medical costs) for each weatherized home is $14,148.
Can I do it myself?
As with any DIY task, certain weatherization projects may be possible for you to complete by yourself, depending on your capacity. DIY is a great option for quickly making a difference and tightening up your home. There are several weatherization projects that can be feasibly completed at home, without the help of a professional. If you choose to weatherize your home yourself, be sure to keep track of your expenses, they may be eligible for Efficiency Vermont’s DIY rebate.
When getting started on weatherization it is generally a good idea to focus on your basement and attic. These spots are especially vulnerable to air leaks, and can benefit from insulation and air sealing. Check these resources for more in depth information on how to insulate your basement and your attic.
Windows and doors are a common source of heat loss/entry in homes that can generally be addressed via DIY efforts. You can weatherize exterior doors and windows using weatherstripping and caulk.
For more information on steps for DIY weatherization, these resources from Efficiency Vermont and the Department of Energy can be helpful!
If I rent, can my home still be weatherized?
Renters are absolutely eligible for Energy Navigator’s assistance, and may be eligible for certain financial resources, including CVOEO’s weatherization assistance. It is likely that to complete weatherization in a rental property, you will need to get permission from the property owner.
How do I know if I qualify for weatherization incentives? What organizations provide these incentives?
Incentives exist on many levels, including on the state and local levels. You can read more about the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program. At the state level, Efficiency Vermont offers some weatherization incentives, including a DIY weatherization rebate.
In Addison County, CVOEO offers numerous incentive programs for weatherization. CVOEO has specific eligibility guidelines for clients to qualify for free weatherization services. You can also view the application for renters and property owners here.
It is important to note that:
- If you are working with Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO), you will not be able to decide which weatherization services are performed, they will apply the full range of services.
- If you qualify for CVOEO’s services, you will be added to the waitlist for the services. Due to high demand, the process can take anywhere from a couple of months to two years.
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