Benefits of Weatherization
Personal savings
- Weatherizing your home saves an average of 10-20% of your energy use
- Low-income families typically spend about 20% of their annual income on energy
- A home that is weatherized increases in property value by increasing the longevity and durability of the home
Health and safety
- Ensures safety of combustion appliances
- Checks carbon monoxide levels and installs detectors if needed
- Potentially decreases fire hazards
- Assesses mold, moisture, and indoor air quality and related illnesses
- Lead paint and asbestos assessment
Environmental
- Reduces the nation's dependency on imported oil: Each dwelling saves the equivalent of 3 barrels in the first year it is weatherized
- Cuts down on the energy demand in residential areas, decreasing power plant emissions and therefore reducing air pollution
- Reduces carbon dioxide output by nearly one metric ton per home
Economic
- Weatherized homes nationally saved $2.1 billion for low-income families in 2012
- Creates jobs directly and indirectly both nationally and locally
- Stimulates economic activity in local communities
Statistical Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Weatherization.org, and Commission on Economic Opportunity, Weatherization.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Weatherization Program applicants must live in Kittitas County and meet certain income guidelines. This program is available to both homeowners and renters. Please call the HopeSource office at 509.925.1448 for more information.
If you do not qualify for weatherization services, please check out our Conservation Services page to see what else might be available to you to help save money and energy in your home.
Selection Process
Weatherization projects are selected based on when you applied, the condition of the home, eligibility/priority status, and available funds.
In Home Energy Assesment
The first step for weatherizing a home is an in-home energy assessment. HopeSource staff members will visit a client's home to discuss current energy usage and look for low-cost/no cost ways to cut back on bills. The home will then be evaluated for more weatherization services.
Energy Audit
If the home is selected as a weatherization candidate, HopeSource auditors will return to do a technical and in–depth inspection using advanced tools such as the blower door (pictured) and infrared camera to find air leakage, spot potential safety hazards, and pinpoint the best possible weatherization measures to create an individualized, safe, and efficient scope of work.
An initial assessment and an audit do not guarantee HopeSource will be able to work on your home. The condition of the home, cost efficiency, durability of project and health and safety issues play a large role in the decision–making process. A few examples of factors that could potentially prevent HopeSource from selecting your home for a weatherization project are roof leaks, electrical problems, excessive mold, asbestos, lead paint, poor structural integrity and inability to cooperate.