Criteria for retrofit materials and products for weatherization of residences

Abstract

The DOE requested NBS to develop criteria for materials and products to be included in the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program. This program was established by Congressional legislation and was directed toward financially assisting low-income persons in retrofitting residences to conserve energy. In most cases, only energy-saving materials and products for which specifications and/or standards are available are to be included in the Weatherization Assistance Program. Because of statutory requirements labor costs for installing weatherization materials and products are not included in the program. Criteria for materials and products considered eligible under the Program are identified. The materials included are insulation and vapor barriers, storm windows and doors, caulking and weatherstripping, clock thermostats, replacement windows, and replacement glazing. The retrofit materials are listed by generic type and recommendations are made for their installation. During the course of the investigation and based upon interactions with industry representatives, materials and products other than those considered eligible under the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program were also given consideration. Those materials and products having energy savings potential but which are considered not eligible are discussed in the Appendices.