Did you know that the Department of Energy (DOE) has a Weatherization Assistance Program, to help low-income households reduce their energy costs? Read this page for more information about the program and call Doctor Energy Smart today to find out how our knowledgable spray foam contractors can help you weatherize your home.

The following information is provided to homeowners by the US Department of Energy. A full PDF version is available directly from the DOE by clicking here, and a more detailed PDF of the plan is available here.

Weatherization Works!

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while reinforcing their health and safety. The Program provides energy efficiency services to approximately 100,000 homes every year using DOE funds.

·         Weatherization returns $1.67 for every $1 invested in the program.

·         \For every $1 invested by DOE, the Program leverages $1.54 in other federal, state, utility, and private resources.

Eligible Households

Household energy use comprises 22% of total energy consumption in the United States. Americans spend $160 billion each year on home energy, with low-income households spending a disproportionate share on energy bills.

Low income households typically spend 17% of their total annual income on residential energy costs, compared with 4% for other households.

Impact on Low-Income Americans

Weatherization alleviates the heavy energy burden on low-income households and helps them become

self-sufficient. Weatherization:

·          Creates average energy savings of $350 or more per year

·          Reduces a household’s annual gas heating consumption by 32%

·          Continues to save money and energy every year

·          Improves health and safety by eliminating energy-related hazards

·         Avoided $1.6 billion in energy costs during winter 2005 for all  households weatherized.

Since the Program’s inception, over 6.3 million low-income homes have been weatherized from all funding sources.

Delivering Services to Low-Income Families

Professionally trained weatherization crews use computerized energy audits and advanced diagnostic equipment, such as a blower door, manometer, or infrared camera to determine the most cost-effective measures appropriate for each home.

Typical measures may include installing insulation, sealing ducts, tuning and repairing heating and cooling systems, mitigating air infiltration, and reducing electric base load consumption.

Weatherization crews also perform health and safety tests that may include testing heating units and appliances for combustion safety, carbon monoxide, and gas leaks; assessing moisture damage; checking electrical system safety; replacing unsafe heating and cooling systems; and installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Intergovernmental