14 Jun Weatherizing Your Building in New York City to Improve Energy Efficiency
As a wave of change is sweeping across the nation due to the mandate of Local Laws, America is focusing on energy efficiency. Without a doubt, the Local Laws are increasingly mandating weatherization upgrades of buildings for good reasons. Not only does it reduce energy usage, but it also saves money and creates a better living or working environment.
Are you intrigued or confused by this change? If so, do not worry; in this blog, we will talk about weatherization and how you can modify your building in order to comply with the Local Laws. We will break down the concept and why it matters.
Additionally, we will see if we can hire a professional to guide us all the way. So, let’s get ready to learn how to adapt to this change and transform your space accordingly.
What is weatherization?
Weatherization refers to home improvements or renovations that reduce the energy we use. It includes all the alterations we make to our space in order to make it more comfortable. For example, moisture control, air sealing, insulation of doors, windows, etc.
For example, air sealing your building can prevent unwanted cold air from gushing in during the winter. This can help improve the temperature of the rooms, and therefore, you will use the heater less often. Eventually, this will lead to energy efficiency and, hence, a lighter utility bill.
After getting acquainted with the concept, you must now think about how to reduce energy consumption. To understand the strategies, let’s continue reading the next section.
Home energy assessment
This is the first step that you must take. Also known as home energy audits, such assessments can be beneficial to help you understand the whole picture. It helps you gain knowledge on your space’s energy use, comfort, and safety. Importantly, it also shows you the areas you can fix in order to save energy and improve the comfort of your home. However, there are two ways in which you can evaluate this. If you are a DIY person, you can do this yourself, or if you are someone who likes to rely on professional assistance, you can call an energy assessor.
Finding and selecting an energy assessor
You can contact your state or local weatherization office so that they can help you find a local company that performs audits. Alternatively, you can check out the Residential Energy Services Network or the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Energy Score program to find energy assessors near you. You can also contact a third-party consulting firm like the Cotocon Group, which specializes in helping optimize the energy consumed by buildings.
However, you must be sure that they have the necessary credentials, such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Engineers Building Energy Assessment Professional certification. Or the Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Auditor certification, etc.
It should be noted that before the assessor visits your house, you can make a list of any existing problems like drafty rooms. Apart from this, you can also have a copy of your utility bills so that you can show them. The assessor will use such information to gain an understanding of what to look for during the assessment.
Common recommendations from professionals
- You can conduct air sealing all over your place to reduce air leakage and drafts.
- Apart from this, adding insulation to places like the attic or walls can help prevent heat loss.
- You can seal and insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces.
- Moreover, you can improve your home’s heating or cooling system.
- Finally, they might advise you to install home ventilation or smart thermostats to improve the performance of your building. Additionally, you can use ENERGY STAR appliances and other technologies to make your space more energy efficient.
DIY Home energy assessments
While a professional evaluation provides a complete picture, a diligent self-assessment can also be useful. You can locate air leaks and seal them. Subsequently, you can also consider ventilation or check the insulation levels in your building.
Moreover, you can check the heating and cooling equipment as well as the lighting in your home. Besides conducting such checks yourself, we advise you to get the help of a professional. These experts are well-versed in the Local Laws and can guide you well in complying with them.
Is it the right time to invest in weatherization?
Johanna Neumann from Environment America Research & Policy Center gave three reasons why this is the correct time to weatherize your home.
- According to studies, an average American family spends $2,000 a year on their energy bills. By minimizing energy consumption, you can save up on your electricity bills.
- The Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act increased their funding for weatherization. Therefore, it has become easier to make your space more efficient.
- Apart from saving money, it is a sustainable way to save the environment.
How much does it cost?
The Department of Energy in America estimates that about $4,695 will be required to do basic weatherization upgrades. Whereas the Natural Resources Defense Council quotes an average of $7000.
However, this is a custom job, and the amount can vary on a few factors:
- Size of your home
- The year it was built
- Your local climate
- And finally, the types of upgrades your abode needs
Other factors like:
- The quality of materials you will be using
- Experience of the contractor you are hiring
Ending notes
So, if you are ready to take the next step, there is no need to wait around. Here at Cotocon Group, we will put together a custom home upgrade plan for you. With the strategies we devise, you will get turnkey solutions that will make your house feel great, even if it is an old, drafty one.
Along with our assistance, you can reduce energy costs and GHG emissions and increase your property value. As we take responsibility for your place and comply with the Local Laws, your building will become carbon-neutral. Meanwhile, you can relax and get to enjoy your energy-efficient home.