Weather or Not – a week’s worth of tips

It has been a blustery few days in the Puget Sound area and that may have prompted some of you to consider the benefits of weatherizing your home. In a press release, Governor Gregoire’s office announced today that the 30th is proclaimed to be a state-wide “Weatherization Day” and that the DOE designates October as National Energy Awareness Month. Each year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) uses the onset of winter to promote energy conservation, renewable energy, and new technology use in the energy industry. Residents have found that they can save 20 – 30 percent on their monthly heating bills after receiving weatherization improvements like heating system improvements, ceiling, wall and floor installation as well as weather-stripping and other closures of heat-escaping gaps.

Nearly $60 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding from the DOE is at work in Washington State to help weatherize an estimated 7,170 homes and create hundreds of jobs. The State’s Department of Commerce administers Washington’s energy programs, including this additional federal Recovery Act funding from DOE.

Here is a week’s worth of home weatherization tips to enhance your comfort and to save energy and money, too:

1. Wrap your water heater with a blanket designed to minimize heat loss.
2. Seal up the largest air leaks in your home – check utility pipes at the seams, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind closets.
3. Set your thermostat back when you can accept cooler conditions in the evening and when you are away from you home for several hours.
4. Increase your wall and attic insulation if it is not enough. An insulation contractor can help you determine what is ideal in your area.
5. Replace aging and inefficient appliances especially your refrigerator that typically consumes the most power in your kitchen.
6. Upgrade leaky windows with energy-efficient models or boost your current windows efficiency with weather-stripping and storm windows.
7. Have your heating and cooling systems tuned up. Duct sealing can also improve the energy efficiency and overall performance of your system.

Derived from: ACEEE, Home Energy Checklist

Consider hiring a professional energy auditor to provide you with a whole house energy evaluation or check online for do-it-yourself options and resources. Then spend some time with your local utility company representative or with an online clearinghouse like Energy Savvy and investigate if rebates and incentives are available to help sweeten the deal and encourage your follow through on weatherization and energy efficiency implementation.

And, pay-it-forward if you figured out how to effectively save energy and money share your new found knowledge with your friends and neighbors. You can consider hosting your very own local Weatherization Workshop (and remember that hot chocolate is optional).

Got a warm weatherization story or tip to share, please do so in our comments section and stay warm this winter! –alex

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