Post written by Margarite Stever, Economic Security Corporation’s Weatherization Director
I am extremely proud to work for Economic Security Corporation’s Weatherization Program. I have worked for this program for sevenI am extremely proud to work for Economic Security Corporation’s Weatherization Program. I have worked for this program for seven years, and have seen hundreds of homes reap the benefits of energy saving techniques and health and safety measures. Many of our clients were living in dangerous conditions when we arrived at their homes. years, and have seen hundreds of homes reap the benefits of energy saving techniques and health and safety measures. Many of our clients were living in dangerous conditions when we arrived at their homes.
REASON #1: One client in particular comes to mind when I think about improving a home’s safety. Mary came into my office one day and told me that her doctor had diagnosed her with carbon monoxide poisoning. She was afraid to turn on her furnace because she felt certain it was the culprit leaking poisonous carbon monoxide into her home. Thankfully, she discovered the reason for her terrible headaches and lethargy before it became fatal.
We sent our inspector out as quickly as possible to evaluate the situation. He discovered a cracked heat exchanger, and the carbon monoxide was so high that our testing equipment was unable to register a reading. We installed a 90% efficiency furnace and ran some additional duct work to maximize her heating efficiency.
REASON #2: We save our clients’ money on their heating and cooling expenses, which makes getting by a little easier. Mary received a variety of energy saving measures.
We installed 700 square feet of R-13 insulation in her walls and 900 square feet of R-38 insulation in her attic. We insulated her floor, and installed a new insulated steel door. Many air infiltration reduction measures such as the use of caulk, expansion foam, outlet gaskets, and switch gaskets were employed to seal up the drafty areas. We also wrapped her water lines, installed a water heater jacket, smoke alarms, and a carbon monoxide detector.
REASON #3: I love hearing from my clients after the work is finished and they notice the difference in the comfort of their homes and their amount of their energy bills.
Mary called me a few months after we finished work on her home to tell me about the differences she had noticed. She was shocked and elated to discover that her natural gas bill that month was half of what it had been at the time the prior year. Her home is warmer, more energy efficient, and most importantly – safer. Mary said, “It’s been just as cold as last year, so I know the reason for the savings is everything that you did.” She noticed that her kitchen in particular is much warmer. She explained that her kitchen had always been the coldest room in her house. She excitedly told me, “There are no drafts!”
Missouri Community Action Agencies weatherize Missouri homes for low-income households. Weatherization helps these families decrease energy costs and increase energy efficiency. October 2016
is the 40th anniversary of Weatherization. Help us spread the word about this great program! #WAP40years #WeatherizationWorks