Myth #1: All contractors can do weatherization
Effective weatherization is completed only by businesses that take a whole house approach informed by building science. Traditionally, contractors have specialized in only one system.
Home performance businesses assess the entire home as a system. They prioritize actions that will yield the greatest improvement at the highest return on investment.
Myth #2: Weatherization means replacing my windows
Windows are only responsible for 5-10 percent of your home's energy loss. On top of the expense, new windows will not yield the same energy savings. Low cost air sealing measures can improve existing windows.
Myth #3: I need renewable solar or geothermal systems to be green
While renewable systems like solar or geothermal can cost between $15,000 to $80,000 to install, a $3,000 to $5,000 weatherization investment can yield similar savings.
If you're considering renewable energy sources to power your home, energy efficiency is still the first step to prevent waste. Weatherize before you go solar to stop renewable sources from pumping into a leaky home.
Myth #4: I have good insulation already, so I do not need to weatherize
Air travels through most insulation. Only contiguous air sealing prevents cold winter air from entering your living room. It's similar to how you layer your clothing on a winter day. Your knit sweater is "insulation," but you wear an outer layer, "air sealing," to keep the wind out.
Myth #5: If my house is very leaky, weatherization will cost too much
A home's poor performance does not equate to an expensive weatherization. The opposite is true. Homes with the highest energy bills have the greatest opportunity to save money through weatherization.
Myth #6: I am currently renovating, so now is not a good time to weatherize
Renovations are the perfect time to weatherize. A pre-renovation energy assessment will provide a list of recommendations. You will be armed with various opportunities to take advantage of the work already being done in your home.
Myth #7: I do not need an energy assessment to weatherize
An energy assessment is the essential first step in weatherizing. It is the assessment that will show you how to achieve the greatest energy reductions while spending the least amount on your improvements.
