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5 Strategies to Weatherize Your Home
There’s a long list of to-dos when moving to a new home. Weatherizing your abode might not be at the top of that list, but it should not forget. Weatherizing means optimizing a home’s energy efficiency by reducing energy waste. If you live in a place with extreme weather, it’s even more important to weatherize your home. Before you weatherize, be sure to develop a comprehensive weatherization strategy. A professional energy auditor can help with this. Here are the U.S. Department of Energy’s five main strategies for weatherizing a home in all seasons.
5 Strategies to Weatherize Your Home
Get a home energy audit
Add insulation
Air seal your home
Control moisture levels
Improve ventilation
How to find assistance weatherizing a home
According to the Department of Energy, states offer weatherization assistance, but eligibility requirements vary. Here’s how to apply for weatherization assistance. The Department of Energy recommends visiting RESNET or the Building Performance Institute to find a professional assessor in your area.
Why is weatherization so important?
Weatherizing a home is important for three main reasons: comfort, safety and finances.
- First, homes that are not properly insulated and ventilated will most certainly detract from the resident’s overall enjoyment of their home. Being cold, hot and generally uncomfortable isn’t a good way to live.
- Second, not weatherizing a home can be downright dangerous. Homes with poor ventilation could put residents at risk. After all, breathing hazardous gasses and chemicals (thinks: volatile organic compounds, Radon and Formaldehyde) for any amount of time is a health hazard.
- Finally, weatherization is important because it saves you money that could be spent elsewhere (or saved). The Department of Energy states that the “typical American family spends nearly $2,000 per year on their home energy bills. However, much of that money is wasted through leaky windows or ducts, old appliances, or inefficient heating and cooling systems.”
Need help moving to a new home?
Before winterizing your new home, you’ll need to figure out how to move there. Fortunately, our extensive network of reliable movers makes it easy to book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!