Weatherization: not just a long, fancy word
Posted on | August 19, 2009 | No Comments
I love it when the topic of weatherization comes up in political debates or speeches. To me, it means that the people in charge are actually paying attention and realize that buildings need to be more energy efficient. But, what exactly IS weatherization?
First the definition: Dictionary.com says that weatherization is the process of making (a house or other building) “secure against cold or stormy weather, as by adding insulation, siding, and storm windows.” All right! That’s a good starting point. But perhaps we should expand this definition to include all types of small gestures in and around homes or other buildings that makes them “weather tight” and more energy efficient. To me, weatherization could include something as simple as putting plastic wrap over drafty windows during the winter, or something as intensive as tearing out old insulation and putting new insulation in your walls.
So how do people achieve these results? Where do they start? Well, as usual the Department of Energy seems to be one step ahead. Behold the U.S. DoE Weatherization Assistance Program, which “enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.” And, just in case you’re wondering why ALL families don’t get this kind of assistance, check out the DoE’s reasoning:
“By reducing the energy bills of low-income families instead of offering aid, weatherization reduces dependency and liberates these funds for spending on more pressing family issues. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 32% and overall energy bills by about $350 per year at current prices. This spending, in turn, spurs low-income communities toward job growth and economic development.”
I think growth and economic development is a concept that we can all get behind. So let’s hear it for weatherization!
Tags: building > economy > efficient > energy > home > housing > materials > money > Renovation > saving
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