Who to Call
Do-it-Yourself
Homeowners might want to consider tackling small jobs themselves. The internet is loaded with information for those with some skill, a tight budget, and some basic tools.
Common do-it-yourself projects include the following:
- Adding more attic insulation
- Caulking leaky doors and windows
- Replacing worn weather stripping
- Insulating a water heater and hot water pipes
For more projects, return to the How to Weatherize page.
Explore these resources for do-it-yourself projects:
- The Do-It-Yourself Network
. - Watch a YouTube video of a project to get a feel of what it will entail before you jump in yourself.
- Supply stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's sometimes have free workshops. Give them a call to see if there is a workshop for you.
Suggested reading:
Stop by your local library or a used book store and look into these books. They cover all areas of energy efficiency, but include sections on weatherization projects.
- Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings. By Jennifer Thorne Amann, Alex Wilson, and Katie Ackerly.
- Insulate and Weatherize: By Bruce Harley.
- The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency. By John Krigger, Chris Dorsi.
- The Home Energy Diet. By Paul Scheckel.
Call a Contractor
Ensure that the effectiveness of large projects is not jeopardized by incorrect installation.
To find a contractor, try the following:
- Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations on contractors they've had success
using. - Check the Piedmont Environmental Alliance Eco-Directory.
- Use the Duke Energy Smart Saver program participating vendor search.
- Search the yellow pages and internet for firms in your area.
- Search the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem list of Member contractors, which is sorted by specialty (keywords: heating and cooling, insulation, windows and doors, water heaters, energy star, solar, geothermal).
Helpful information on hiring a contractor can be found at doityourself.com.
Remember to:
- Check references.
- Ask for insurance certificates.
- Obtain more than one written estimate.
- Check the contractor’s history with the Better Business Bureau.
- Check with your local government building department to see if a building permit is needed before the work starts (your contractor can help with this). Visit these links for Winston-Salem and Greensboro.
What's Next
Weatherizing your home is just the beginning! Consider incorporating more energy efficient practices into your daily habits. Yellow Key Realty compiles a number of useful links to help you move on to the next step of home energy efficiency.
Weatherization Glossary
Return to Weatherization Home Page
These materials have been prepared for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be nor do they constitute legal, accounting, tax, investment or other professional advice. The Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA) does not make any warranty, expressed or implied or statutory, about the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, service provider or process referred to herein. References to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for your information and convenience, and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by PEA. Therefore, please use this information as a starting point for your project. Contact a professional for assistance and clarification.