Weatherization Measures to Combat Energy Costs

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Today, the company that will weatherize my house is coming to help reduce my energy costs (hopefully). It is a program through PSO, the electric company where I live.

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If you make under a certain income, they will come out, see whether you need weatherization, and pay for it. I qualified, as I make under $65,000.

They sent a man out last week who went up into my attic and checked out all the rooms in my home. I imagine he was outside checking too, but I didn’t go check.

He turned in his findings, had Kendra sign as the owner of this house to allow them to do this, and scheduled the appointment for today.

I don’t know exactly how this will pan out, but I’ll let you know once it’s over.

My electric bill has doubled every month for three months. I don’t know if it’s the heat or the data center dilemma, but it’s getting way out of hand.

My younger daughter, Kasi, has a house in Tulsa and a lakehouse about an hour and a half away. She just got her electric bill for her Tulsa house, and it is $998.

I’m scared of what my next one will be because I’m making about half of what I made this time last year.

You might check into your area and see if they do weatherization for lower-income households. Here it is free.

If you have a landlord, they must sign off with a landlord agreement. The documentation must be signed prior to the appointment for work to be done.

Here’s the guide they left for me to read.

Possible Weatherization Measures

Health & Safety: Check for carbon monoxide on gas combustion appliances. Inspect mechanical closets for a fresh air supply and/or a carbon monoxide detector, if needed.

Attic Insulation: Loose-fill insulation to a level of R-38 or 14 inches.

Air Infiltration: Air sealing measures to help decrease outside air from entering the home and prevent indoor conditioned air from leaving the home.

Duct Sealing: Seal HVAC system to prevent air loss.

Water Measures: Pipe and water heater insulation, low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads.

Workday Activities & Expectations

1. All gas appliances will be checked
2. The insulation truck will need access to the driveway (they said I have enough insulation in the attic). Only the three back rooms have no wall insulation, and they don’t do that.
3. The HVAC system will be turned off while the work is being done (not looking forward to that in this heat)
4. Crew may need access to all: vents, rooms, cabinets, sinks, windows, and closets
5. Access to attic and crawl space areas
6. Employee cannot move large furniture, beds, entertainment centers, large televisions, and computer desks. Please make sure they do not block access for installation or testing
7. No use of the fireplace 24 hours prior to the day we are going to do the work
8. Third-party representation may contact you to arrange an appointment to verify our work

They also left the EPA Lead-Safe Certified Guide to help you renovate your home properly while following their guidelines. Inside, it says this pamphlet is for you if you live in a home built before 1978.