In recent years as the cost of heating a home has increased, so has the need for weatherization education. The US Department of Energy estimates that over 6.2 Million homes have been weatherized as part of the US Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), created in the late 1970s to help low income families by reducing their energy bills. Today, decades later, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption and their lower their utility bills. Data supports that weatherization returns about $2.69 for each dollar spent on weatherizing your home. This makes good sense no matter your income bracket.
The process of weatherization involves a variety of procedures, many which can be accomplished by the home owner with materials that can be found at the local home improvement center. Others will require the services of experienced professionals. Lets begin with some of those we can tackle on our own. Best place to begin is by sealing bypasses, any type of gaps, cracks or holes where air can move through. Our natural instinct is to grab that roll of duct tape and get busy and although duct tape is used for a lot of household fixes, it is not suitable for weatherization. Some materials that may be needed include caulk, foam sealant. weather stripping, electrical receptical gaskets and door sweeps. Bypasses will be found around doors, windows, pipes and wiring- anywhere that penetrates the ceiling and floor.
Weatherization Shopping List
Another substantial source of air leakage occurs through can lights. Sealing recessed lighting fixtures prevents large amounts of conditioned air from escaping into unconditioned spaces. Covers for these can be made, or purchased through home improvement centers. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, it pays to do some research before making your own because there are specific dimensions that should be adhered to to prevent contact with the fixture itself.
Most home improvement stores will have everything you need in a prominent location.
Leaky air ducts which can account for up to 20% of heat loss in the home should not be overlooked. Sealing these air ducts can make a substantial difference when reducing your energy costs, but put that duct tape down!! The best way to seal the duct work is with a product called mastic. This is a thinset resin which is ideal because of its bonding capabilities and its resistance to heat. There are also foil HVAC tapes on the market that will do the job and are much easier to work with.
Beginning with these few items will make a difference and can be accomplished in a weekend. In my next blog, I will outline just a few services that make will make a difference that are best left to professionals. Good luck and get started!
