• 7 Dimensions
• Articles
• Education
• Facilities
• INGH
• Presidents Climate Commitment
• Resources
• Sitemap

• We could use less energy by choosing to under-heat our home, but this would mean undesirable temperatures.  
• We may choose to install more energy efficient heating and cooling systems, but without first sealing gaps in walls and windows and insulating ceilings, walls, and floors, it would be like driving a car with the heater or air conditioner on with the windows wide open. 
• We could insulate and use energy efficient appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators but if we still use a lot of hot water, overall energy use will still be high. 

Weatherization is the practice of protecting a building and its interior from the elements, particularly from sunlight, precipitation, and wind. The science of weatherization works by helping reduce energy costs by modifying and improving the energy efficiency of a home by using a system approach.

Typical weatherization procedures include:

• Performing an energy audit on a home
• Performing tune-ups and repairs to heating and cooling systems
• Improving overall health and safety conditions
• Sealing major air leaks
• Installing insulation in attics, walls, and floors
• Installing smart thermostats
• Replacing incandescent lighting with energy efficient bulbs

To assist homeowners in making their homes more energy efficient, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Office of Economic Opportunity administers a Weatherization Assistance Program.  Thirty-three agencies throughout the state deliver these weatherization services to eligible residents.

Funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will supply approximately 5 billion dollars to Weatherization Assistance Programs nationwide. Approximately 131 million in funds will go to the state of North Carolina with 108 million going towards weatherizing units and 23 million for training and technical assistance.

Weatherization assistance is provided at no cost to qualifying families whose incomes are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.  Prior to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, this level was 150 percent.  Due to the demand for services, eligible applicants for weatherization assistance may need to be placed on a waiting list.  The Weatherization Program prioritizes eligible families, serving the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children first.
Weatherization services are delivered to single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, and mobile homes.  Participants do not have to own a home to be eligible for services.  Those renting their home can also apply but must have written permission from their Landlord before weatherization services can begin.

For more information on the Weatherization Assistance Program, please visit:

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/ and

http://www.ncdhhs.gov/oeo/WAP/weather.htm.