Energy Assistance Program
Initial Assessment
Weatherization
Final Evaluation
1) Home Energy Performance Audit
A home energy audit is the first step in assessing how much energy a home consumes and evaluates
what measures can be taken to make the home more efficient. Our energy audits consist of two
parts: the blower door test and the initial walk-through. The blower door is specialized equipment
that allows us to measure the level of air infiltration by surveying the extent of air leaks in the
home envelope. As a leading cause of inefficency in homes, air infiltration can potentially
drive up the price of utility bills due to its impact on heating/cooling systems. While the
blower door test is running, members will walk-through the home and search for areas where
such energy loss might be occurring. By the end of this two-step process we will have an idea of
how much work will be needed and provide an estimated cost. Audits are always free.
2) Weatherization
Depending on the results of the inital home energy assessment, Green Iowa members will schedule
a follow up weatherization to address problem areas. Members spend anywhere between 2-8 hours
reducing air infiltration and making efficiency improvements to the home. Each home is different.
Cost of labor is always free. Cost of materials used to be free only for qualifying households, and provided at-cost for non-qualifying households. During the 2016-2017 service year, a change was made to provide all services absolutely free for everyone!
3) Evaluation & Education
After making the needed adjustments, the team will conduct a post-weatherization blower door test to calculate the effectiveness of the service. If requested, members can also inform the resident on energy and money saving strategies or refer them to their local utility provider for additional information.
What to Expect
**Weatherization materials are free to all households. Households that fit our target demographics include: low-income, LIHEAP recipients, military veterans, senior citizens (65+), disabled persons. Energy audits are always free. Cost of labor is always free.**
After the initial pre-test audit, our crew leader will provide a material cost estimate.
A typical weatherization will tackle problems such as:
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WINDOWS--Permanent solutions such as caulking and sealing around window frame, installing sash locks. Seasonal (temporary) solutions include rope caulking and window kits.
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DOORS--Installing weather stripping, door sweeps, caulking.
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ATTIC ACCESSES--Insulating attic access door, seal perimeter with foam tape, ensure a tight seal with a latch lock or weight.
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OUTLETS--Insulating outlets and light switches with foam gaskets.
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RIM JOISTS--Sealing the area where the foundation meets the house frame with friction-fit rigid foam and caulk.
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DUCTS--Sealing duct joints with HVAC tape and/or mastic.
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WATER PIPE--Insulating hot and cold water pipes with foam sleeves to reduce conductive heat loss.
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EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS--Installing Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and low-flow sink & shower aerators.
Our Mission
Together, our team focuses on the three C's of weatherization: Cost, Comfort, and Conservation. Whether you're interested in reducing utility costs, creating more comfortable living spaces, or conserving our natural resources, our weatherization services can help! Members of Green Iowa AmeriCorps undergo training and earn Building Analyst Professional certification from the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Armed with this training, our service teams assess a home's efficiency, evaluate problem areas, and seek potential solutions.