October 30 marks Weatherization Day, a perfect time for a reminder about the many benefits of weatherizing your home as many Texans prepare for colder temperatures in the upcoming months.
Keep in mind a few tips from the Department of Energy for how to get the most out of weatherizing your residence, enhancing the comfort of your home and saving on your energy bills.
Assess your home’s current energy use with a home energy assessment. A home energy audit is one of the best ways to gain a full understanding of the current status of your home, including how much energy it uses, where the inefficiencies may be and what areas to prioritize. Consider working with a professional or energy adviser from your electric cooperative to provide a thorough analysis.
Consider ways to air seal your home as a cost-effective strategy to reduce air conditioning costs. As outside temperatures cool, gaps around doors and windows allow your home’s heated air to escape. Caulking and weatherstripping are two ways to reduce the amount of air that leaks in or out of your home.
Identify the right ventilation plan for your residence. Ventilation is a critical part of making sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. Good ventilation controls moisture and reduces air leakage. Three ventilation options to consider, according to the DOE, are:
Natural ventilation, where air naturally leaks in and out of small cracks and holes in the home.
Spot ventilation, which provides ventilation by removing indoor air pollution and moisture through exhaust fans.
Whole-house ventilation, which provides uniform ventilation throughout the home using fans and a duct system to supply fresh air.
Check your eligibility for assistance from the DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which has provided weatherization services to low-income households since its inception in 1976. The program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes. Visit the WAP page on energy.gov for more information.
