Author: Melanie Stolp
As energy costs rise and extreme weather becomes more frequent, making North Carolina homes energy-efficient, comfortable and resilient is more important now than ever. Weatherization can help with that.
Weatherization is the process of making a home more energy-efficient, safe, healthy and comfortable. Weatherization measures are chosen based on an initial energy audit of the home. The audit can identify simple upgrades like sealing air leaks, replacing inefficient lighting, adding insulation or repairing heating and cooling systems to reduce energy use and lower utility bills.
Weatherization is a cost-effective way to increase household energy efficiency, which is especially important for households with limited incomes and high energy burdens. A high energy burden means a household is spending a large percentage of their annual income on energy costs. In fact, weatherization can save households hundreds of dollars per year.
But it’s more than just saving money. Weatherization improves indoor air quality, reduces health risks, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, makes homes more resilient and strengthens communities by creating local jobs and supporting energy equity.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Since first signed into law in 1976, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has helped more than 7.2 million households across the country receive critical upgrades, at no cost to them. The North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program at the DEQ State Energy Office weatherizes an average of 1,100 homes annually.
DEQ's weatherization program is available to NC renters or owners who have a gross income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or if they receive assistance payments under Work First or Supplemental Security. The program prioritizes assisting the elderly, individuals with disabilities, families with children, high energy users or households with a high energy burden. This program can serve single-family dwellings, mobile and manufactured homes and multi-family dwellings.
Potential eligible upgrades can include installing insulation, repairing or replacing water heaters, installing duct and heating pipe insulation and window repairs or replacement. North Carolinians can apply through their local service provider, which is based on the county they live in.
Find your NC weatherization service provider
For more information visit deq.nc.gov/weatherization or contact seo.wap_info@deq.nc.gov.
Stay tuned for a follow-up post emphasizing the workforce and economic benefits of the Weatherization Assistance Program.