Shelter from the Storm: Weatherization helps make homes more comfortable, energy efficient

Is your home staying warm this winter?

If not, perhaps it needs to be “weatherized” through a program at the Economic Security Corporation (ESC).

Matt Daniel is Assistant Weatherization Director and Quality Control Inspector at the ESC.

He says improvements can be made at no cost for local residents who meet income guidelines.

“There are different thresholds for different sizes of families,” he explains. “For instance, a single person household would have to make less than $27,180. It increases from there depending on family size.”

What kind of work do they do?

“We look at inside the attic, evaluate for attic insulation,” Daniel says. “If the basement or crawl space is big enough for us to get in, we look at that to evaluate for floor insulation.”

“We do some general measures such as light bulbs and pipe wrap on the water heater and installing a water heater jacket.”

“The we evaluate doors,” he continues. “If they’re in poor condition, we’ll replace those. And then just a lot of general air shielding and sealing up the cracks and gaps around the home.”

Those wanting more information about weatherization can call 417-781-4437.