With global warming being such a big issue, many homeowners are finding that their home is not adequately protected from the harmful effects of climate change. Increasingly, homes that were built during the last two decades or so will need some kind of home weatherization assistance. While it may sound difficult, there are ways to weatherize a home efficiently and effectively with a low cost investment in materials and labor. You don’t need to have a degree in structural engineering to know how to set up your home for weatherization. This may mean upgrading your home insulation or adding someplace to insulate your home (i.e. basement walls). But even if you’re only dealing with some basic home weatherization issues, it’s still good to know what home weatherization projects are the most cost effective.
Home Weatherization Assistance Program
The Home Weatherization Assistance Program offers many home improvement and energy reduction services that can be eligible for this assistance program based on income and home ownership status. Some of the services include; home insulation, attic ventilation, and floor heating. In addition, the program offers services such as home weatherization assistance, weatherization tests, and green building education, as well as low-cost home repair and maintenance.
Closed Cell Foam Insulation
Closed cell foam insulation offers a number of advantages over other types including traditional home weatherization methods and techniques. The main advantage is that this insulation is made up of small, tightly-woven cells that do not permit air to pass through. Because of this, it is less likely to warm up rapidly and makes for a better energy efficiency rating than many other products.
In order to make your home weatherized and perform well both you and your contractor or builder need to decide on which type of weatherization suits your home best. There are many weatherization options and it will depend on the type of home you have as to what the best weatherization option for you will be. If your home is not already built with internal and external insulation then you will need to have this done professionally during your home weatherization process. This can be done in one or both of two ways: either by having a new cavity filled with insulation or by having an existing space filled with insulation. There are pros and cons to both methods.
Windows are Easy Home Weatherization Projects
Windows and doors are often the first thing that homeowners look for when considering weatherizing their homes. Air leaks are common around windows because there is nothing to stop the warm air from leaving during the summer and allowing cool air to enter during the winter. There are simple solutions to this problem. You can purchase inexpensive plastic sealant that can be applied around the window and sliding door. If you do not already have energy efficient windows, it’s wise to invest in them now while they are still affordable and use weather stripping to repair any gaps or leaks.
Energy Efficiency Appliances are Crucial Home Weatherization Projects
Energy efficiency appliances are a vital component of a complete home weatherization plan and are a creative addition to a home. By replacing old inefficient, leaky appliances with energy-efficient models, you can pay down on your energy bills and improve your overall quality of life. From there, you can install new insulation for greater temperature control, seal windows and doors to prevent cold air from getting out of your house and lowering your utility bills. New floor coverings, including carpet and tiles, will also keep your house warm and dry. Replacing dated, drafty windows with modern, energy-efficient windows will cut your energy bills by up to 20 percent.
Conclusion
Many times, these projects cost less than you would ever expect, if you plan ahead. For example, replacing the heating and cooling unit with a model that takes less energy to run, and requires less power to cool your home during the summer months. These projects are cost effective, not only in the money that you will save, but in the energy that you will be saving and contributing to the environment. On top of being cost effective, home weatherization projects will help you sell your home faster or create the energy efficient home of your dreams!
