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Weatherization Assistance

Typical Home Retrofit, Northern Utah

WeatherizationIn late 2006, a 1920's Northern Utah home was retrofitted by the Utah Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). This home had virtually zero insulation in the attic, walls, floors and kneewalls. Due to the lack of insulation, the homeowner faced extremely high gas bills, despite participating in the utility's equal payment plan.

The WAP spent a week-and-a-half retrofitting this home with proper insulation. The efficiency measures increased the attic insulation to R38, walls and kneewalls to R13, and also improved insulation of the floors. In addition, heating ducts were sealed, the furnace was tune-up, and 18 windows were replaced with low-e, high efficiency windows.

WeatherizationAccording to the homeowner, the home retrofit cut monthly natural gas costs from about $140 to $45 per month on average.

Quick Facts

  • Project cost: $4,400
  • Annual natural gas saving: $1,140
  • Payback period: 3.9 years

Source: Michael Johnson, Weatherization Assistance Program Director, and Loran Kowallis, Bear River Association of Governments
Photo credit: Bear River Association of Governments