Weatherization Program

The NY Weatherization Program has undergone many changes over the years.  It has developed into a high tech process to ensure the maximum savings possible on homes weatherized.  Following is a synopsis of the current practices performed by the 67 agencies throughout NY.

Here is a brief description of the Weatherization Process:

• Computerized Audit is performed on the home or apartment.
   
  • Auditor check home for insulation in the walls and attic
  • Auditor performs a "Blower Door" test to determine how much air leakage is in the buildings envelope and uses the Blower Door to locate air leakage.  On many homes air leakage can account for 1/3 or more of the heat loss.
  • The heating system is tested for efficiency, the distribution system of the heating plant is checked for efficiency.  If heating plant is Hot Air Furnace then duct system is checked for leakage.
  • The Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) is tested.  This test measures the pressure in the CAZ Zone (usually the basement) when the heating plant, vents, clothes dryer, etc are operating to ensure if combustion appliances vent properly in the worst case situation.
  • Auditor performs tests to look for gas leaks if there is Natural Gas or Propane in the structure
  • Auditor also checks structure and appliances including ovens for carbon monoxide. 
  • The house is measured, windows, doors, etc. and information from size of structure, Blower Door readings, and furnace data is then entered into the computer program for analysis. 
  • Computer program then gives the auditor information as to what measures will be cost effective to perform on the structure.  A Savings to Investment (SIR) is generated and measures must show a SIR of 1 or more to be allowable expenditures.  This ensures that all work to be performed will be a good investment.
  • Lastly the Auditor will work with the client to give client education on saving energy.  A questionnaire is used to determine what client habits may need to be changed to save energy.
     
• Crew Work
   
  • Crews install high density cellulose in un-insulated walls and attics
  • Crews perform air sealing work to reduce the Blower Door reading.  The Blower Door is used during this process to ensure that the structure is not over sealed for health reasons.
     
    • Attic bypasses (leaks around plumbing and electrical penetration) are sealed.  Other leakage in attics such as balloon framing leaks, and leaks around chimneys etc are sealed.
    • Leakage from the basement and garage to the heated area of structure are sealed
    • Leaks in Duct system are sealed
    • Doors are weatherstripped
       
  • Heating system receives a Clean & Tune.  If system does not meet efficiency standards system will be replace.
  • Distribution system if Ducts are modified if needed to increase efficiency
  • Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors are installed in the home.
  • Final Blower Door test is done as well as final CAZ tests
     

  Writing Letters & Emails Help Page Legislators Contact Information  - This page has address and email address of Legislators as well as  Position Paper by NCAF and NASCSP Supporting Data Links Peak Oil - Information on concept of Peak Oil Hirsch Report - DOE Sponsored Study on Peak Oil Comments by Legislators - This page has comments by Legislators related to Peak Oil at the Federal Level Congress's  Resolution - Resolution introduced by Congressman Bartlett Data on Weatherization Energy Factor - Information that demonstrates how much energy low income homes use compared to the national average What is Weatherization? - Information on what exactly our program does Program Overview - National Overview of the Weatherization Program

   

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