 state weatherization programs choose qualified contractors to perform the work in homes. They also will help trainers provide appropriate content for an energy-efficiency retrofit workforce that is expected to grow in coming years.
In a related project, the EPA has drafted complementary guidelines that focus specifically on health and safety of workers and occupants in conjunction with energy-efficiency upgrades.21 Once finalized, these guidelines will provide steps contractors can take to ensure retrofit activities do not introduce hazards as well as detect and correct any indoor air quality issues that do arise during work. The EPA also plans to publish sample assessment tools for inspectors and contractors.
In the meantime, says Keith Aldridge, vice president of building science with Afdvanced Energy, the best way for consumers to ensure they get quality work is to search online for discussions about retrofit-related products and rely on word of mouth for advice on contractors.
References and Notes
1. DOE. Energy Efficiency Trends in Residential and Commercial Buildings. Washington, DC:U.S. Department of Energy (2008). Available: http://tinyurl.com/5ub5rzw [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
2. This figure is the sum of annual allocations listed on the DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program website, available: http://tinyurl.com/2bv3324 [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
3. This figure is the average of figures listed on the DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program Allocation Formula website, available: http://tinyurl.com/4o2ca93 [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
4. DOE. Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program—About [website]. Washington, DC:U.S. Department of Energy (updated 14 Apr 2010). Available: http://tinyurl.com/4p3pwbs [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
5. DOE. Audit Report. The State of Illinois Weatherization Assistance Program. Washington, DC:Office of Audit Services, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Energy (2010). Available: http://tinyurl.com/4sm9t4x [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
7. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Monitoring Review of Nueces County Community Action Agency Weatherization Assistance Program (13 Aug 2010). Austin, TX:Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Available: http://tinyurl.com/4p5n5t5 [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
8. AP. Home Mold Pops Up with Improper Weatherization. Juneau Empire, Alaska Associated Press Section, online edition (8 Nov 2010). Available: http://tinyurl.com/4hxr96y [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
9. WHO. WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould. Copenhagen, Denmark:World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (2009). Available: http://tinyurl.com/6fbbjmc [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
10. Friedman GH. Memorandum for the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. In: Audit Report. Management Alert on the Department’s Monitoring of the Weatherization Assistance Program in the State of Illinois. Washington, DC:Office of Audit Services, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Energy (2009). Available: http://tinyurl.com/4pdn4ut [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
11. ASHRAE. Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Standard 62.2-2010. Atlanta, GA:American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (2010).
12. OSHA. Green Job Hazards: Weather Insulating/Sealing [website]. Washington, DC: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. Available: http://tinyurl.com/4ztpf8t [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
14. Radon [website]. Washington, DC:U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (updated 11 Jan 2011). Available: http://tinyurl.com/y5f26n [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
15. EPA. Indoor Air Quality in Homes/Residences. Controlling Moisture [website]. Washington, DC:U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (updated 26 Aug 2008). Available: http://tinyurl.com/69a4wjg [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
16. Duct Sealing [website]. Washington, DC:U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. Available: http://tinyurl.com/2o23kh [accessed 11 Jan 2011].
17. DOE. Energy Savers—Cr