Cold snap has weatherization on minds of homeowners
January 13, 2009
I’d like to make my home more energy efficient, especially after last month’s weather. What do I need to know about weatherizing it?
A proven way to rein in the cost of heating your home is to weatherize. That basically means adding insulation and sealing air leaks. You’re smart to be thinking of weatherizing now. Contractors may not be as busy as they will be later in the year. Plus, you’ll be pleased to know that Clark Public Utilities recently revised its energy efficiency loan program and financial incentives for weatherization. The programs are open to customers with electrically heated homes.
Adding insulation is a good place to start. New homes are required to have R-38 insulation in the ceiling, which amounts to about 15 to 18 inches of blown-in insulation, and R-30 insulation in the floor over a crawl space. If your home’s insulation levels are less than these, build it up and replace damaged insulation, especially over crawl spaces. Depending on the age of the house, you may not be able to achieve the R-30 floor insulation level, but shoot for at least R-19.
Simultaneous to adding insulation, it’s critical to seal air leaks into the home. We’ve found air leaks can account for up to 30 percent of the heat energy lost in a home. Start by having a blower door test that pressurizes the home to pinpoint where leaks are and then caulk or seal them. A good rule of thumb is to seal around any wire or pipe entering the house, around windows and doors as well as where the foundation meets the house.
Clark Public Utilities has increased the maximum loan amounts for weatherization, insulation and windows from $10,000 to $15,000. Maximum loan amounts for air source heat pumps increased from $15,000 to $20,000 and geothermal heat pumps increased from $20,000 to $30,000. In addition, you can borrow up to $10,000 (up from a previous cap of $6,000) on a solar water heater installation and up to $30,000 (up from $20,000) on a new photovoltaic solar system.
These loans offer an easy way to improve your home’s energy efficiency by spreading the cost out over five or seven years, depending on the amount of the loan. Loans are subject to a credit approval, of course.
As of Jan. 1, weatherization measures also may qualify for new cash incentives. Incentives are available for qualifying windows, floor, attic and wall insulation as well as duct sealing and insulation and air sealing. The amounts vary depending upon the measure, but qualifying customers can receive up to a $400 rebate on floor insulation and up to an additional $400 on ceiling insulation. There is more information about incentives and loan programs at clarkpublicutilities.com.
