October is Energy Efficiency Month, and PECO is here to help you prep your home for the colder months ahead. Did you know that air sealing can significantly impact your energy costs while helping control humidity and preventing pollen, dust, and insects from entering your home? While many homeowners notice drafts and leaks from poorly sealed windows and doors, the larger sources often include hidden holes and gaps. These can be found where piping, wiring, lighting, and ductwork penetrate the walls, as well as at seams where materials join.

The EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs by air sealing and insulating their homes. Proper insulation offers additional benefits, including:

• Improved Comfort: Keep unwanted drafts out with insulation that locks in conditioned air, ultimately saving energy.
• Improved Moisture Control: Managing moisture levels can enhance energy efficiency, comfort, and reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Pest and Pollen Prevention: Air sealing fills tiny gaps in the exterior, blocking entry points for dirt, allergens, insects, and outside air that could affect your home’s climate.
• Improved Indoor Air Quality: A tighter home envelope reduces the entry of humidity, dust, pollen, and pests.
• Increased Durability: Reducing air leakage helps minimize condensation and moisture issues.

Get Started with a PECO Energy Assessment

One of the easiest ways to determine if your home’s insulation and air sealing are adequate is by scheduling an Energy Assessment with PECO. During this assessment, a BPI-certified Energy Advisor will identify leaks and provide recommendations for weatherization upgrades, as well as exclusive rebates from PECO. Free energy-saving products, such as LED bulbs and smart power strips (valued up to $125), may also be installed during the visit. Additionally, federal tax credits for certain energy efficiency upgrades are available through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Schedule a PECO Energy Assessment or call 888-5-PECO-SAVE (888-573-2672).

After the assessment, homeowners will receive a personalized energy savings report with recommendations, such as sealing drafts and upgrading insulation, to enhance their home’s performance. Customers can connect with a network of PECO participating contractors to improve the energy efficiency of their home and carry out the weatherization work recommended. Plus, when customers work with a PECO participating contractor, they get access to exclusive rebates on HVAC equipment and weatherization work.

Weatherizing homes not only helps save money by conserving energy, but it also enhances overall comfort. When work is performed through the Home Energy Assessment program, incentives are automatically applied to the job cost, along with fixed pricing for many weatherization procedures. Qualified HVAC contractors participating in the program are trained to understand how a house functions as a system and to offer solutions for both common and complex problems using building science. These contractors must have Certificates of Insurance, Building Performance Institute (BPI) certifications, and appropriate licensing. They ensure that their work is performed in a skilled and professional manner, complying with all relevant specifications and requirements set by BPI and the utility. Quality standards for the work performed by participating contractors are confirmed and maintained through periodic inspections by PECO Energy Assessment auditors.

Weatherization Services to Consider:

• Whole-Home Ventilation
• Combustion Testing
• Whole-Home Air Sealing
• Building Tightness Testing
• Blown Insulation
• Duct Leakage Testing
• Attic & Knee Wall Insulation
• Spray-Foam Insulation
• Duct Sealing
• Basement/Crawlspace Wall Insulation
• Floor Insulation
• Duct Insulation
• Dense-Pack Insulation

For homeowners seeking do-it-yourself weatherization solutions, a variety of effective products are available for air sealing. Weatherstripping, draft stoppers, and sweeps are ideal for use around doors and windows. Caulk and spray foam can fill larger gaps where air may leak out. Spray foam is available with a PECO instant discount on the PECO Marketplace and at retailers across southeastern Pennsylvania. For outlet and switch plates on exterior walls, foam gaskets can be installed to enhance air sealing.

Weatherization is a crucial step for homeowners aiming to improve energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, and enhance the comfort of their living spaces. Taking action today ensures a more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and comfortable home for the future. Learn more about energy assessments and other energy-efficiency programs for homeowners at PECO.