Our Communities in Action – GHCAA Weatherization Program

Did you know the typical family in the United States spends over $2,000 per year on utility bills? Did you know that a large portion of that money is wasted because of lack of sufficient home weatherization?

The electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single, energy inefficient home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars. On the bright side, there is a lot you can do to save energy and money at home. By making a few small changes, you can reduce your energy costs by 10%-50% while reducing air pollution and dependence on foreign fuel imports.

The key to achieving these savings in your home is a whole-house energy efficiency plan. View your home as an energy system with interdependent parts, for example, even a top of the line, energy efficient furnace will burn a lot of fuel if the ducts, walls, attic, windows, and doors of your home are not properly sealed and insulated.

A simple can of foam insulation or caulking can work wonders for a drafty house’s problem spots. Focus your initial efforts on heating ducts, windows, doors, and electrical outlets, as these areas are usually easy and inexpensive to check for leaks and then fix.

The biggest trouble area for many homes is lack of sufficient insulation. The US Department of Energy estimates that around one-third of all air escapes through the floors, walls, and ceilings of the home. Without proper insulation in the walls, floors, and roof, warm air is allowed to escape and cold air is allowed to invade. For this region it is recommended to use R-49 insulation for attics and R-18 insulation for walls.

For more weatherization and energy saving tips, contact your local Green