WeatherizationWhat you should know

What is Weatherization?

• The practice of protecting a building and its interior from the elements.•Sunlight•Precipitation•Wind

Insulation• Many types of insulation can be thought of as weatherization, because they block drafts or protect from cold winds.

Weatherization is Important

Pollution• In the United States,

buildings use one third of all energy consumed and two thirds of all electricity.

Climate Change

• Due to the high energy usage, they are a major source of the pollution that causes urban air quality problems and pollutants that contribute to climate change.

Weatherization Procedures

• Sealing gaps, racks and holes using caulk, foam sealant, weather-stripping, and window film.

• Sealing air ducts, which can account for 20% of heat loss, using fiber-reinforced mastic.

• Protecting pipes from corrosion and freezing.

• Providing proper ventilation to unconditioned spaces to protect a building from the effects of condensation.

Other items that drain excess energy from your

householdElectric Devices Level Of Use Monthly Cost

Refrigerator 24 hrs./day $32.10/mo.

Oven 30 min./day $20.10/mo.

Large Screen TV 6 hrs./day $9.40/mo.

Personal Computer 5 hrs./day $8.00/mo.

Freezer 24 hrs./day $23.80/mo.

10 Regular Light Bulbs

4 hrs./day $22.80/mo.

Summary• Definition of weatherization• Example of a known weatherization;

insulation• Why it’s important• Procedures• Household items that use excess

energy• Intro to Weatherization Video

Sources• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weatherization

• US Department of Energy (2012) Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/wap_apply.html

• New York State Weatherization Director’s Association (2013) http://www.nyswda.org/

The End