Homeowners
& Renters
In the United States, buildings use one third of all energy consumed and two thirds of all electricity. Due to the high energy usage, they are a major source of the pollution that causes urban air quality problems and pollutants that contribute to climate change. Building energy usage accounts for 49 percent of sulfur dioxide emissions, 25 percent of nitrous oxide emissions, and 10 percent of particulate emissions.
Weatherization (American English) or weatherproofing (British English) is the practice of protecting a building and its interior from the elements, particularly from sunlight, precipitation, and wind, and of modifying a building to reduce energy consumption and optimize energy efficiency.
Weatherization is distinct from building insulation, although building insulation requires weatherization for proper functioning. Many types of insulation can be thought of as weatherization, because they block drafts or protect from cold winds.
Whereas insulation primarily reduces conductive heat flow, weatherization primarily reduces convective heat flow.
The Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) offers low cost energy audits to identify recommended weatherization upgrades to homes in Walla Walla, Columbia, and Franklin counties. Recommended work may also qualify for funding assistance. CEEP is funded by the Washington State Legislature and is administered state-wide by the Washington State University Extension Energy Program. Matching funds are provided by participants, local CEEP partners (Sustainable Living Center), and through utility rebates, as applicable.
Schedule a Home Energy Audit (HEA). A HEA is a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of the energy efficiency of an *existing home or small business. A HEA evaluates your energy consumption habits and will identify the types of weatherization measures needed for increased savings, comfort and improvements to your home/business. Our Certified Energy Assessors (CEA) will determine your potential for savings (energy and utility). The CEA may conduct a Performance Reveiw at his/her discretion at the time of the Home Energy Audit. A Performance Review is a Pre & Post Testing that measures the airtightness, duct work airtightness and helps to physically locate air leakage sites. Our Home Energy Audits are performed by Building Performance Institute Certified Building Analysts, that are also Performance Tested Comfort Systems Certified Technicians.
Homeowners can also use conventional financial programs, such as Home Equity Loans, to finance energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Income qualified programs for low-moderate income borrowers are available in some states, which provide reduced interest rates and other assistance.
Programs are also available that allow efficiency improvements to be financed when purchasing or re-financing a home, such as the Fannie Mae HomeStyle®loan program and FHA’s 203(k) renovation loans. The DOE Home Energy Score report can be used to qualify energy efficiency improvements for a HomeStyle
Energy®mortgage or to qualify FHA borrowers for a 2% stretch on debt-to-income ratios for high scoring homes. The Veteran’s Administration (VA) also provides energy efficient mort- gages; you can learn about them in VA pamphlet 26-7. If you live on a farm or in a rural area, you may be able to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low- income households with their home energy bills. The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which awards funds to the states, the District of Columbia, Indian tribes, and U.S. territories. LIHEAP may also offer assistance with energy crises, weatherization improvements, or energy-related home repairs.
To locate the energy assistance in your area, call the National Energy Assistance Referral line toll-free phone number at 1-866-674-6327 or email energy@ncat.org.
REBATES
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DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Pacific Power helps you get cash back for purchasing high-efficiency appliances and equipment. These wattsmart cash incentives for energy-saving home upgrades can help you stay comfortable, plus save energy and money.
Columbia REA is committed to helping its members conserve energy. A number of quality programs are in place for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural members.
Cascade Natural Gas is delivered directly to your home through underground piping and will not leave you stranded in inclement weather as electricity can. Using natural gas means no storage tanks, no running out, and no waiting for delivery as with oil and propane. Clean, energy-efficient natural gas. The comforts of home at a fraction of the cost of electricity.
FINANCIAL & LOANS
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As a representation of PSCCU mission, they have become a leader in providing their members with the ability to access and afford energy efficient options for their homes. PSCCU's Energy-Smart Loans cover everything from heating and cooling, hot water tanks, gas conversions—to windows and even renewable energy like solar.
Welcome to the newest—and greenest—home loan program from the Commission. EnergySpark is designed to work hand-in-hand with our Home Advantage loan and downpayment assistance.
