As winter approaches, preparing homes by preventing air leaks through weatherization can save energy, reduce costs and protect the home’s condition overall.
Clark Public Utilities Public Information Officer Dameon Pesanti noted that homes built before the 1990s often lack sufficient insulation and may need upgrades. Ensuring a home’s weatherization and insulation are effective is a key step to preparing for the winter season, he said.
“All the money you spend on other investments like a new heating system … you’re not gonna get the best value out of it because you’re making heat and it’s just disappearing, or it’s just literally going out of the walls … or the air conditioning you’re making in the summertime is just getting converted to heat so quickly by the outside,” Pesanti said about poorly insulated homes.
Pesanti noted Washington homes built before the 1990s were not sufficiently weatherized and may be due for an insulation upgrade. The attic and crawlspace are particularly prone to heat loss. Homeowners can apply spray foam to reinforce areas where heat may be escaping.
While improving a home’s outdoor insulation, homeowners should look for air leaks within the inner walls and flooring. Pesantie explained that air sealing prevents leaks by filling holes in the floor, wall or ceiling.
“I’ve heard anecdotally from weatherization companies that if they go through an air seal like a whole house … it’s almost like death by 1,000 cuts. All the little air leaks that they find are the equivalent of having a window open in one room. Imagine that in December, leaving a window open all day long, all night long,” Pesanti said.
Air leaks often occur around power outlets, ceiling lights, doors, windows and floorboards. While sealing small gaps may not qualify homeowners for rebates, people can purchase affordable materials like backer rods to fill cracks and prevent leaks. For electrical outlets, foam insulation can be applied carefully to seal the cover and reduce drafts.
Clark Public Utilities offers rebates on insulation and air-sealing upgrades for its customers completed by a contractor within their approved network. Information on rebates and weatherization programs can be found at tinyurl.com/3uxpnbvd. Low-income residents and people in multi-family properties may also qualify for specific weatherization assistance programs. Pesanti recommends getting quotes from a few contractors to compare costs and benefits.
Customers must have electric-heated homes to qualify for Clark Public Utilities rebates. Southwest Washington homeowners using natural gas can qualify for rebates through the Energy Trust of Oregon at energytrust.org/residential/incentives/insulation.
