Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Weatherization Assistance FAQs
Question: What is weatherization?
Answer: Weatherization describes the services and energy conservation measures applied to a dwelling to help reduce energy use. Proper weatherization results in a more comfortable home (especially during the hottest and coldest times of the year) and decreased utility bills. From installing simple measures such as weather stripping and storm windows, low-income weatherization has evolved into a technically sophisticated approach that is based on site-specific diagnostic testing and targeted treatments.
The main measures provided by weatherization programs today include:
- in-home energy education
- energy-related home repairs
- blower-door guided air sealing
- heat system safety tests, repairs, and tune-ups (and replacements for safety reasons)
- duct insulation and sealing
- attic insulation
- hot water savings measures (insulation blankets and low-flow showerheads)
Question: How can I get my home weatherized?
Answer: Contact the Weatherization Agency in your community.
Question: What weatherization programs are offered in Idaho?
Answer: CAPAI administers two federally-funded programs which provide weatherization services at the local level: the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) .
The mission of the weatherization programs is to reduce heating and cooling costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety. The funds provided by Congress and administered by CAPAI are used to improve the energy efficiency of low-income dwellings using the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available in the housing industry.
The energy conservation resulting from the efforts of state and local agencies helps our country reduce its dependency on foreign oil and decrease the cost of energy for families in need, while improving the health and safety of their homes.
Question: What happens when my house is weatherized?
Answer: Weatherization professionals perform a thorough home energy assessment to identify house-specific deficiencies and opportunities for energy conservation. This assessment can take two to four hours.
The assessment includes:
- visual inspection to document current efficiency levels of the building
- diagnostic testing on the building envelope (walls) and air distribution system to find where air is currently leaking out
- checking the efficiency of heating and cooling equipment
- checking for potential health hazards such as appliances that may be leaking carbon monoxide.
After the assessment, the costs and energy savings for each energy conservation opportunity are identified and the cost-effective opportunities are selected. House repairs necessary for the proper performance of selected measures are also identified.
Once energy conservation opportunities are identified, experienced installers make repairs and install the improvements.
In addition to the repairs preformed energy education is a complementary element of our weatherization program. This energy education instructs people in the proper operation and maintenance of new or existing energy systems so that the full potential of these systems is realized. Topics frequently covered include filter changing, thermostat operation, strategies to reduce cooling load such as closing window shades, and use of the ventilation system.
Question: Why should I weatherize my home?
Answer: The four main benefits to having your home weatherized:
- savings on your monthly utility bills
- knowing that your home has been checked for carbon monoxide
- a more comfortable and energy efficient home
- reduced energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gasses and a healthier environment