In the United States, buildings use one third of all energy consumed and two thirds of all electricity. By taking steps to make your home more weatherproof, you can contribute towards the reduction of energy consumption and potentially see a 30% reduction in your energy use. To an individual homeowner, especially in older homes built with less energy efficient materials, this is one of the most immediate steps available to reduce your energy demand.
Weatherization can include:
- sealing doors and windows from cracks and gaps
- properly sealing air ducts
- improving insulation coverage throughout the home
- installing storm doors and windows, etc
To learn about the effectiveness of reducing the energy costs for low income families, visit the Weatherization Assistance Program Overview. Weatherization Plus expands on this approach to look at whole house energy usage.
