October 30 is National Weatherization Day, a reminder of the importance of making homes more energy efficient. Every month, Seattle families face tough choices between keeping their homes warm and buying groceries. For many households in older homes, money literally escapes through cracks in walls and gaps around windows. The good news? The Seattle Office of Housing’s HomeWise Weatherization Program offers a solution that lower energy bills, make homes more comfortable, and creates a healthier living environment. 

What Is Weatherization? 

Weatherization is the process of protecting a home from the elements to reduce energy consumption. It involves making physical improvements to a house to make it more energy efficient. Think of it as adding a protective layer to your home, sealing up leaks and adding insulation to keep it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. 

The HomeWise Weatherization Program has been helping Seattle residents since 1980. Over the decades, this program has transformed thousands of homes, providing families with an up to $23,000 average one-time savings in energy costs and improvements. 

How Weatherization Helps Seattle Residents 

The benefits of weatherization extend beyond just saving money on energy bills. The program has a positive impact on households, the community, and the environment.  

Better Health and Safety 

A key focus of the Weatherization Program is improving the health and safety of homes. Poorly maintained homes can have issues like bad indoor air quality, moisture problems, and inadequate heating. These conditions can lead to health issues, especially for children and the elderly. 

According to a national evaluation by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, weatherization can lead to significant health benefits. For every dollar invested in the program, it returns $2.78 in health and safety benefits. Families in weatherized homes reported fewer hospital visits and missed days of work or school. On average, these households saved $514 in out-of-pocket medical expenses each year. By improving ventilation and sealing homes, the program helps create a healthier living space for families. 

Lower Energy Costs for Families 

For households with low incomes, energy bills can consume a large portion of their monthly budget. The HomeWise program directly addresses this burden by making homes more efficient. 

Nationally, weatherization saves a household an average of $437 on heating and cooling costs each year. By reducing energy use, families have more money available for other essential needs like food, medicine, and transportation. This financial relief can make a real difference in the daily lives of Seattle residents. 

Community and Economic Benefits 

The HomeWise program also supports the local economy. All weatherization work is performed by private contractors who are selected and managed by the program. This creates jobs for skilled workers in the Seattle area, from energy auditors to insulation installers. By investing in local businesses and a trained workforce, the program helps build a stronger community.  

What Improvements Are Available? 

A trained energy specialist visits each home to identify the most effective improvements. The program provides a range of improvements: 

• Insulation and Air Sealing: Adding insulation to walls and attics while sealing gaps that let conditioned air escape. This combination typically provides the biggest energy savings. 

• Heating System Improvements: Repairing or replacing old furnaces, installing ductless heat pumps in electrically heated homes, and converting oil and gas heating systems to efficient electric heat pumps for Seattle residents. 

• Hot Water Heater Replacement: Installing new water heaters when existing units are failing, leaking, or rusted beyond repair. 

• Ventilation Upgrades: Adding new kitchen and bathroom fans to improve indoor air quality and prevent moisture problems. 

• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Replacing old refrigerators with energy-efficient models that use less electricity. 

Who Qualifies for the HomeWise Program? 

The weatherization program serves Seattle residents who meet certain income requirements. You may qualify if you: 

• Are a homeowner or renter living within Seattle city limits who meets income guidelines. The program has different income limits depending on your home’s heating source and whether you own or rent your home. 

• Live outside Seattle but receive electricity from Seattle City Light and have an electric-heated home. This expands help to families in surrounding communities served by the City’s utility. 

• Rent in a small building where more than half the tenants qualify based on income. In these cases, building owners can work with the program to weatherize the entire property. 

Income limits change annually and vary by household size. Current limits are available on the Seattle Office of Housing website. See if you qualify before applying. 

Take the Next Step 

Weatherization is a proven and effective way to lower energy costs, improve the health and safety of your home, and contribute to a more sustainable community. The Seattle Office of Housing’s Weatherization Program offers these valuable services for free to eligible residents. 

Take the first step toward a more comfortable and affordable home. To see if you are eligible and to begin the application process, visit the HomeWise Weatherization program page.