Watch a video: Weatherization in 3 Easy Steps.

Weatherization Weatherization better manages temperatures and improves indoor air quality. Tennessee has all four seasons – winter, spring, summer and fall – each of which brings different weather conditions. Depending on what state you live in, you are eligible for weatherization if your income falls below the "200% poverty level" as defined in these guidelines. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. A weatherized home will be healthier, safer and more comfortable for living. Government partners Also, weatherization providers in many states have combined resources from other programs to address additional needs of their clients through Weatherization Plus Health, which helps communities connect resources so that residents can access comprehensive solutions to their housing problem. Some utilities will even offer an energy audit. A:   More than 30 million U.S. families may be eligible for weatherization services nationwide. The US Department of Energy (DOE) has recommendations for these four topics: A weatherized home saves you money by lowering energy costs and improves the quality of life for those living in the home. *To qualify for our Weatherization Assistance Program: * * You must be a resident of Harris County * You must meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or Department of Energy Income Guidelines Additionally, testing is done to apply safe, effective insulation; high efficiency furnaces; low energy use refrigerators; programmable thermostats; compact fluorescent lighting — the list goes on as new technologies become available and cost effective. In addition to helping households, WAP also helps revitalize communities by spurring economic growth and reducing environmental impact.
Once a home or multifamily building is selected for weatherization, the following step-by-step process occurs: A: Weatherization service providers check major energy systems to ensure occupant safety, such as looking at the house as a system under the concept of "whole-house weatherization." Examples of weatherization are improved air sealing, insulation, moisture controls and ventilation. A furnace that cannot maintain a comfortable indoor temperature is another example. Indoor allergens like dust, pollen, mold, secondhand smoke, and pet hair can cause breathing difficulties. Weatherization benefits can save additional dollars that might have been spent on medical bills. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to eligible low-income households with the goal of managing and meeting their immediate home heating and/or cooling needs. Weatherization crews install energy-efficiency measures that meet a savings-to-investment ratio of 1:1 and higher. Some weatherization repairs may seem expensive, though many weatherization improvements will pay for themselves over time as you save money on utility bills. Apart from economic benefits of energy savings, families that do not qualify as low-income have a number of options for financial assistance. Fact Sheet Weatherization has operated for more than 40 years and is the nation's largest single "whole-house" energy efficiency program.

A:  To locate the provider that provides weatherization services in your area, you should contact the state agency. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance webpage, www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/weatherization-assistance-program, www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/energy-weatherization-and-indoor-air-quality, thda.org/business-partners/weatherization, www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/indoor/at-home, www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2018/06/f52/EERE_WAP_Fact%20Sheet-v2.pdf, weatherization.ornl.gov/wp-content/uploads/pdf/2016_Present/ORNLTM2017-498.pdf, Tennessee Department of Health Publications, Reduced Asthma-Related Medical Care and Costs, Increased Productivity at Work Due to Improvements in Sleep, Increased Productivity at Home Due to Improvements in Sleep, Reduced Use of High Interest, Short-Term Loans Increased Ability to Afford Prescriptions, Reduced Heat or Eat Choice Dilemma Faced by Pregnant Women. The weatherization assistance program works to help low income households meet their energy and weatherization needs.

States and local utilities offer several financial incentives including grants, rebates, and tax breaks. weatherization.ornl.gov, American Lung Association (ALA) The home performance industry is based on the skills perfected by weatherization.

People with weatherized homes, reported cost savings made it easier to pay their energy and medical bills, pay for food, and avoid high interest loans. Good indoor air quality is important for healthy breathing. Weatherization Programs Administered by CSD . Weatherization agencies also create a market for American manufacturing, using products and equipment from local sources, benefitting the business community in the regions they serve. A:  For technical information on WAP, visit WAP’s website. After their home was weatherized, people report having fewer bad health days and fewer doctor or emergency department visits. EnergyRight Solutions Examples of weatherization are improved air sealing, insulation, moisture controls and ventilation.
A: All homes are different, but on average, air sealing and insulation represent the greatest opportunity for energy savings at the lowest cost. www.tva.gov/Energy/EnergyRightSolutions, Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) There are other groups that advocate for weatherization. For example, with a more tightly enclosed home, there is potential for indoor pollutants to become isolated inside the home. For information on do-it-yourself home energy audits , tips for sealing your air ducts , insulation for optimal energy efficiency , and other ways to save energy and energy costs in your home, follow the Energy Department’s Energy Savers blog . If the local provider determines you are eligible for weatherization services, an energy audit will be conducted, which could include any of the following: an analysis of energy bills, testing of the infiltration of outside air with a blower door, and inspection of various home appliances such as heating and air conditioning units for health and safety. Simple improvements in heating and cooling equipment efficiency such as duct sealing, filter replacement and tuning of equipment is also a highly effective way to increase your home's efficiency affordably. Once DOE awards the grants, the states, tribes, and territories contract with roughly 700 local organizations nationwide that consists of community action agencies, other nonprofits, and local governments. For example, fewer ashthma triggers in a home result in fewer medical visits because of asthma attacks. Q: Where can I find additional information on the Weatherization Assistance Program? They can also find out if you qualify for the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program. Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs Support www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/weatherization-assistance-program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/energy-weatherization-and-indoor-air-quality, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) There are home improvement, air quality or energy efficiency companies who can improve your home. These services are derived by using a diagnostic energy audit and building assessment that determines the necessary energy efficiency measures for each unique home.

These changing weather conditions affect both outdoor and indoor air quality. U.S. Department of Energy

What are signs of poor indoor air quality (IAQ)? If you are experiencing unmanageable temperatures, uncomfortable indoor air conditions, or excess moisture your home will likely benefit from weatherization. Search the Department’s Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency for incentives in your state. ☐ Own Rent* *If you rent your home, your landlord must complete the … DOE guidelines mandate that states must give priority eligibility to the elderly, persons with disabilities, families with children, and families with high energy burden or high energy use. The EPA recommends inspecting of ventilation systems, testing for radon, and removing pollutant sources to minimize any risks.