Several states across the country are joining the Department of Energy to celebrate National Weatherization Day. Observed each October 30, National Weatherization Day is a chance to highlight the important work performed by the Energy Department’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) network over the last 40 years.
Through WAP, the Energy Department provides funding to states, territories and tribal governments to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of low-income families. These governments fund a network of local community action agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide weatherization services for those in need using leading technologies and testing protocols.
Since WAP’s inception in 1976, more than 7 million homes have received energy efficiency improvements, such as heating and cooling upgrades, the addition of insulation and air sealing.
Weatherization comprises a comprehensive series of energy efficiency measures that are based on sophisticated analyses of individual homes. These analyses take the whole-house approach, which maximizes energy and dollar savings. Because of this rigorous approach and analyses backing it up, weatherization has become a leader in advancing home energy science and has helped spark a new industry providing home energy efficiency services to the public at large.
WAP also supports innovative installation methods and professional development tools, such as high-quality technical certifications for weatherization professionals. In 2014, WAP developed a Quality Work Plan to establish a benchmark for quality home energy upgrades. The plan defines what constitutes a quality installation of weatherization measures, outlines how those measures are inspected and validated, and prescribes acceptable training and credentialing of workers. To date, there are nearly 400 certified weatherization quality control inspectors throughout the country and more are joining every day to meet this need.
Several states are recognizing National Weatherization Day with gubernatorial proclamations and events that highlight work being done in the field:
- In Missouri, Governor Jay Nixon signed a proclamation, and various localities held weatherization demonstrations — including one in Hannibal, Missouri, where attendees will see weatherization crews working on a home to increase energy efficiency and the comfort of its occupants.
- In Virginia, Governor Terry McAuliffe signed a proclamation designating October 30 as Weatherization Day. The WAP network will also be recognized at the Governor’s Housing Conference in Norfolk, Virginia.
- Washington Governor Jay Inslee also issued a proclamation and activities will center on a demonstration house in Olympia, Washington.
The Energy Department would also like to recognize the work of the weatherization service providers, researchers and state and local agencies dedicated to improving efficiency of homes across the nation. Through their work, they have helped low-income Americans lower their energy bills.
For more ways to save energy and money at home, visit EnergySaver.gov. Also check out the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)’s blog and Facebook page for stories on how weatherization is transforming our economy and improving lives — not just on October 30, but throughout the entire year.
