Weatherization

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Weatherization is a whole-home approach to increasing energy efficiency, home comfort, and indoor air quality by improving the airtightness of a building to retain heated and cooled air. The key piece of home weatherization is improving the outer shell of the home, or the “building envelope”. Improving this shell helps protect the home from outside elements like cold air in the winter, hot air in the summer, moisture, pollutants, pests, snow, and more. You can think of the building envelope as a protective shield for your home.

Weatherization improvements are a great option for ANY home. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, there are cost-effective steps you can take to weatherize your home.

Benefits of Weatherization

Decrease monthly utility bills. Keeping heated (or cooled) air from escaping the home reduces the amount of work your heating/cooling system needs to do.

Increase home comfort by providing more consistent heating and cooling, eliminating drafts, decreasing outdoor pollutants, etc.
Improve indoor air-quality and home safety by helping to keep pollutants (like wildfire smoke) out of the home.

Build resilience against extreme weather events. During extreme cold events, weatherization can help keep warmth in the home and protect you from outdoor elements. This also works in reverse for keeping cool air in during hot summer days.

Prepare your home for electrification. Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes.

It’s important to learn about the measures you are taking and consider how they will impact other systems in your home such as HVAC system performance, ventilation, moisture control, etc.

Resources to Get Started

HRDC Home Weatherization Program
If you qualify for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), you may also be eligible for an energy audit and home weatherization services through HRDC. Renters and homeowners can both qualify for LIHEAP. If you are unsure if you qualify or are interested in applying, visit HRDC’s website to learn more.

Montana Weatherization Training Center
The MSU Extension MT Weatherization Training Center (right here in Bozeman) offers courses to field technicians, business owners, and program managers across the state. Their website is full of helpful resources.

ENERGY.GOV
The Department of Energy Weatherize pages are full of information on weatherization and DIY projects.

DOE Energy Saver Tips on Saving Money and Energy in Your Home

Rebates, Tax Credits, and Financing

Learn about rebates, tax credits, and financing options for weatherization products like insulation, windows, etc.

Air Sealing

Air Sealing_stock image Air leakage happens when outside air enters the conditioned air space inside the home. Reducing this leakage can cut heating/cooling costs, increase home comfort by reducing drafts, and improve indoor air quality by helping to keep pollutants like wildfire smoke out. Caulking and weatherstripping are simple, effective, and low-cost options for air sealing.

Caulk is generally used for cracks and openings between stationary house components (around windows, doors, etc.).
Weatherstripping is used to seal components that move, such as doors and windows.

Consider the following areas for air sealing:

Around window and door frames (exterior and interior).
Around basement and attic entrances.
Within basements and attics.
Cracks and seams in the ceilings and walls.
Air ducts (make sure air is moving through them rather than leaking out).
Areas where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring comes through walls, floors, and ceilings.
Pay attention to drafts and identify where the drafts are coming from.

Insulation

Insulation keeps heat from escaping the home, in the summer it can also help keep the house cool.

Attics and basements are key areas to insulate in the home. Depending on your space and the existing insulation; there are options for different types of insulation and how to install it.

Insulation Types and How To’s

Other insulation improvements:

Add insulation sleeves around water heating pipes.
Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket.
Use foam boards to insulate patio doors with windows during the winter.
If you are considering any remodel projects in your home, this can also be a great opportunity to upgrade insulation.

Windows & Doors

Improve your windows by repairing broken windows, adding weatherstripping, and replacing broken window locks.
Open window shades/blinds during the day to let heat from the sun in, close them at night to help keep the heat in.
Consider installing storm windows for the winter.

Tips for Renters

Adding rugs to bare floors can help insulate your space.
Use draft guards to block the gap between your door and the outside (or colder spaces like hallways). You can even make these yourself!
Get thick window shades or thermal window blinds to help insulate windows.
Open window shades/blinds during the day to let heat from the sun in, close them at night to help keep the heat in.
Weatherstrip doors and windows.
Let your property owner or manager know about available rebates and incentives for weatherization products and services.

Up Next: Heating and Cooling – All About Heat Pumps

City Of Bozeman

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