Weatherization 201:Weatherization Works!

Updated September 23, 2008

Weatherization Mission

To reduce energy costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, while ensuring their health and safety.

Weatherization Program

• The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety

• Operates in every state, District of Columbia, among Native American tribes, and anticipates service to being in U.S. Territories in PY 2009.

Why Weatherization

• Low-income households typically spend 17% of their total income in energy vs. 4% for other households

• Low-income families often choose between heat and other necessities

• Reduces energy costs all year round

Department of EnergyHeadquarters and

Project Management Center

50 State Energy Offices, The District of Columbia,

And Native American Tribal Organizations

Low-income Americans

Over 900 Local Agencies

The Team Approach

Program Funding

• DOE provides core program funding to states

• States can use LIHEAP funds from HHS, leverage funding from utilities and others

• States contract with local agencies to deliver services to single-family, multi-family, mobile homes

Weatherization Services

• More than 100,00 homes weatherized annually.

• 5 millionth home weatherized in 2001.

6.2 million

38million

Current EligibleHouseholds

Clients Served

Weatherization Impact• $413* average first year energy savings• Improves energy affordability, making

housing more affordable• Reduces cases of homelessness, frequent

forced mobility, and demand for public assistance

• Weatherization returns $1.65 in energy related benefits for every $1 invested

* Calculated February 2008 based on 20-year EIA annual price projections discounted to present value.

Weatherization Impact

• Reduces the export of local energy dollars and keeps more money in the community

• Decreases electricity generation and resulting pollution; thus improving local air quality reducing adverse health effects

• Avoids residential and power-plant emissions of carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas

• Supports more than 8,000 direct jobs nationwide

Weatherization Impact

• Reduces demand for imported oil

• Decreases national energy consumption by the equivalent of 18 million barrels of oil annually

• Strengthens national security

Weatherization Implementation

• Client applies for services, eligibility determined

• Energy audit is conducted• List of cost effective and health and safety

measures is developed• Energy efficiency measures are installed• Client education is introduced• Post work inspection is conducted

Energy Audit

• Auditor explains process to client

• Collects information on the home – Including results of diagnostic tests

• Uses audit software or other method to estimate potential energy savings

• Develops list of cost-effective measures

• Identifies energy-related health and safety measures needed

Diagnostic Tools

• Blower door test identifies air leakage

• Pressure Pan and Manometer - Leaky ducts can increase costs by 10-30%

• Infrared Camera - Illustrates heat loss

Diagnostic Tools

• Combustion Analyzer - Tests heating system for efficiency and safety, and analyzes composition of flue gases

• Draft Test – to test “Backdrafting” that can draw toxins into home

• Gas Leak Detector - Identifies natural gas leaks from stoves and furnaces

Weatherization Measures

• Insulation– Attic, Wall, Floor, Duct, Pipe, and Water Heater

• Air Sealing– Blower Door Testing, Caulk, and Weather-stripping

• Heating and Cooling Modification– Tuning, Burner Retrofit, and Replacement

• Electric Base Load Measures– Lighting, Refrigerators, Water Heaters

• Energy-Related Health and Safety Measures• Incidental Repairs

Health and Safety

• Do no harm• Conduct Weatherization in a lead-safe manner• May check for carbon monoxide, gas leaks,

moisture/mold, electrical hazards• Wear protective clothing, equipment• Client education is a critical component

– Ensure savings

– Prevent health hazards

– Prolong life of measures/equipment

“…My children remember waking up cold. Today they are comfortable, cozy, and warm…Thanks to the Weatherization Program you have made a difference in our lives…you probably saved our lives.”

Recipient of Weatherization services in Pennsylvania

Personal Results

Weatherization Works!

For FamiliesFor Communities

For the Nation