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.
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. Right now, everyone is just trying to stay cool.
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. These physical facilities house computer systems, servers, and related equipment to store, process, and share large amounts of data.
My younger daughter, Kasi, has a house in Tulsa and a lake house 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 in 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 on 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 the HVAC system to prevent air loss.
Water Measures: Pipe and water heater insulation, low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads.
Workday Activities & Expectations
- All gas appliances will be checked
- 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.
- The HVAC system will be turned off while the work is being done (not looking forward to that in this heat)
- Crew may need access to all: vents, rooms, cabinets, sinks, windows, and closets
- Access to attic and crawl space areas
- 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
- No use of the fireplace 24 hours prior to the day we are going to do the work
- 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.
It’s a refreshing reminder that small home improvements can make a meaningful difference, leaving more room in the budget for everyday things, even something as simple as free games.
I’m so sorry they didn’t show up. That’s so rude and unprofessional of them, especially if they didn’t call you to let you know and reschedule. I hope they make it out there. I can’t believe Kasi’s electric bill was so high! I’d have a heart attack if I got a bill that high! IF they do show up, you’ll be glad you got all that done and hopefully your bills will reflect that.
My new electric bill is $321.54.
We have our electric bill on a monthly basis…equal payments. The AC runs 24 hours a day when it hits 90 plus degrees. Our equal monthly bill is $80.00 per month. I just notice that I have overpaid and now have a $180.00 credit. Our natural gas, for furnace and hot water tank is also just over $80.00 per month, but furnace rarely used from June to October, so will have an overpayment and monthly $ will go down.
$988 for an electric bill…was this just one month?! Sheesh, we have three people living in our home, we run the central AC and our electric bill in the summer is about $150!
Yes, for just one month. I think it has something to do with the 32 data centers already operating in Tulsa. More being built.
As a renter you make under 65000 But the owner can make more and still get this done?
I guess so. I don’t know how much my daughter makes.
The electric bills this Summer have been terrible. 1000$ a month is just ridiculous. I’m afraid of what the Winter will bring! I have a gas fireplace which helps but the electric is still just impossible. Now with more stupid tariffs things are going to get even worse. I’m starting to wonder if things are ever going to get better! Smart to have that free service done! Good Luck.
Unfortunately, they didn’t show up to do the weatherization. Will have to reschedule.
Sure hope this will help!! Ours has doubled this year, tho our daughter moved in so that is part of it…but still…I think they have really upped the cost here too. Your daughter’s bill is incredibly terrible!! The greed in this country is beyond all imagination!! I did call the electric company the other day to see what was going on. Being in apts, there is not a lot we can do…but we will see. So will be glad to hear what all they do for you there!!
I’m a little upset with how this place is so disorganized. They made the appointment and then didn’t show up.
Well, howdy doody…whatever reason for not calling you? Oh, all the cell phones quit working at the same time all the email did too?? When on earth has it been easier, quicker and more convenient to communicate than it is now??? So sorry…they think no one matters I suppose…times today are not like it used to be…
Smart of you to have this done. The bills are unbelievable every month.