Programs to make homes more energy efficient can also alleviate health problems such as asthma, extreme heat and cold exposure, and falls. Insulation and air sealing not only save energy, but also protect residents from heat waves and cold snaps. Combined with efforts to identify and reduce asthma triggers such as pest management and removal of indoor irritants, these strategies can improve health significantly.
According to a recently released American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy report, nearly $3 billion can be saved by using existing energy efficiency programs to tackle health harms. For instance, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is improving some of the most inefficient homes by offering air sealing, insulation, and upgrades to HVAC units. WAP workers may also install smoke and CO detectors, fix faulty heating and combustion systems, and identify mold and moisture hazards.
Read More
Advertisement
Related Stories
Codes + Standards
Public Comment Period Opens for National Green Building Standard Updates
The 45-day public comment period for draft 2 of the 2024 NGBS begins on April 12, 2024
Codes + Standards
Public Comment Period Opens for 2024 National Green Building Standard Update
The 45-day public comment period opened Aug. 18, and comments must be submitted by Oct. 2, 2023
Codes + Standards
The Inefficiencies of the Latest Energy Code
The 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) hampers the return on investment for builders and homebuyers
