The weatherization program is sponsored by Economic Security Corporation of the Southwest Area (ESCSWA). Our Goal is to provide ease of comfort to renters and homeowners who qualify. Weatherization is the practice of modifying a building to protect its interior from the elements, to reduce energy consumption, and to optimize energy efficiency.
Clients who wish to apply can do so by going to one of our several outreach offices and picking up an application or by clicking here to download an application. You can submit your application by dropping it off at one of our outreach offices or mailing it to our weatherization office located at 1924 West 4th Joplin, MO 64801. All applicants must meet income guidelines, and renters must have the home owner’s cooperation to participate. Landlords will be required to pay 5% of the estimated cost, unless the landlord meets the income guidelines as well.
ESCSWA weatherization is funded by the Department of Natural Resources DNR WEBSITE
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Steps and Processes
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Once an application has been accepted and approved, the client is put onto a waiting list. Each client is assigned points for disabilities, age, time on waiting list, and for children being in the home. When the client moves closer to the top of the list, they will be contacted by a certified auditor, and a time will be set to inspect the home. When the auditor arrives at the home, a series of questions will be asked to the client for the auditor to get a better feel for the house, and for the client to get more comfortable with the auditor. A thorough inspection will be performed on the attic, walls, crawl space, exterior, and interior of the home. A blower door test is also conducted on the home which directs the auditor to which items should be addressed to save the most energy. The blower door is simply a fan installed in a doorway to discharge air to the outside by depressurizing the house and pulling air in through the gaps and cracks. This is not a harmful process, and the client is more than welcome to observe. |
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The auditor then inputs all data into a computer program which generates the SIR or savings to investment ratio. This basically states if the savings is greater than the cost over a ten year time span, it is approved. A work order is then created for crews to install the measures. On certain occasions, we can replace doors and windows in a home, replace or install storm windows, or simply replace broken glass. Other measures include attic, floor, and wall insulation, compact florescent lighting, water heater jackets, pipe insulation, carbon monoxide detectors, and smoke alarms. Water heaters, heating systems, and air conditioning systems can be repaired or replaced on a case by case basis. After the work is completed, a final inspection is conducted to assure completed, quality work. The final auditor will verify and test each measure to guarantee performance. |
Why Weatherize
- Weatherizing can keep whistling wind, outside noises, and rattling windows quiet.
- Keep unwanted air pollutants, dust, and insects from entering the home.
- Smaller capacity heating and air conditioning systems will be sufficient.
- Weatherization provides a comfortable environment with smaller temperature swings.
- Maintain the health of the home by reducing the movement of moist air.
- According to ongoing program evaluation, weatherization efforts bring a return $1.83 in direct energy savings to the homeowner for every $1 spent on weatherization.
- On average, weatherization reduces energy bills by 32%, or hundreds of dollars per year.
- Weatherization reduces both heating and cooling costs, saving you money all year around.