Poor insulation, air leaks, and inefficient heating and cooling systems in homes can waste enormous amounts of energy, resulting in unnecessarily high energy bills for families. Weatherization reduces energy waste and lowers energy bills. 

Based on income qualifications, District residents can apply to have DDOE weatherize their homes. DDOE’s weatherization program includes insulation installation, weatherstripping, air sealing, showerhead and aerator replacements, window and door replacements, and heating and cooling equipment repair or replacement. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, households that weatherize their homes experience an annual energy bill reduction of around $430. Therefore, the savings from weatherization are felt long after retrofits have been completed. 

Fortunately, the benefits of weatherization do not stop at the household level. There are significant environmental benefits from drastic reductions in the carbon emissions associated with weatherization.The emissions reductions from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program will total 32,400,000 metric tons of CO₂ over 20 years. According to Economic Opportunity Studies, Inc., avoiding this quantity of emissions is the equivalent of halting all flights between New York and Los Angeles for 20 years, or covering an entire area as big as Connecticut with trees. These homes are more energy efficient and cost-effective, producing a true win-win situation for residents and the environment.

How is the indicator defined? How often updated?

This indicator is a count of the number of homes that are weatherized by DDOE. This indicator will be updated annually and is provided by the District Department of the Environment. Because weatherizing a home is not a permanent one-time act, this data is not presented cumulatively.

What influences this indicator?

High utility costs may persuade some District residents to apply for home weatherization. Other residents may wish to become more energy efficient and reduce the carbon footprint of their home. This indicator will be influenced by the number of residents who qualify for weatherization services as well as the number of residents who choose to apply for weatherization. 

What you can do to help:

• Check DDOE’s income and family size chart to see if your family qualifies for weatherization. If you do, apply on DDOE’s website or call 311 to make an appointment to meet with the Energy Assistance – Weatherization team.
• If you don’t qualify for DDOE’s assistance, click here for do-it-yourself energy audit tips. You can also elect to have a professional energy audit from a local business.
• Be mindful of the energy you use every day— even the little things count, like remembering to switch light switches to ‘off’ when a room is not in use. 

Related indicators: CO₂e levels, Air Quality 

Links to related programs 

Application for DDOE Weatherization Assistance Progam  

DDOE Weatherization Assistance Program

Other Links 

DDOE Weatherization Day Promotional Video 

Weatherization in the Summer of 2010 

U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program 

Economic Opportunity Inc.’s Weatherization Study