Press Release

PUC Offers Do-It-Yourself Home Sealing Tips as Part of Earth Day Pledge Initiative

Published on 4/21/2008

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – To continue its “Earth Day Pledge” initiative by offering conservation tips to Pennsylvania utility customers, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today encouraged Pennsylvania homeowners to make their own “Earth Day Pledge” to weatherize and seal their homes and seek out information about energy assistance programs available on the PUC’s Web site.

"Energy prices are on the rise," said Vice Chairman James H. Cawley.  "We can all do our part to keep prices down with simple do-it-yourself tasks around the house and by becoming more aware of our energy usage and ways we can use less."

“By using basic tools and some easy tips to weatherize your home, you may not only help keep the cool air inside during the warmer months, you may also save energy and lower your bills,” said Commissioner Tyrone J. Christy.

Air leaks in the home can cost a homeowner a lot of money in lost heating and air conditioning.  If a home is not sealed properly, the house will have a “chimney effect” where air enters in the basement, flows through the conditioned living spaces and flows out through the attic.  Common household air leaks include the attic access hatch, wiring holes, plumbing vent, open recessed light soffits, furnace flue, basement rim joints where the foundation meets wood framing, windows and doors. 

Here are a few do-it-yourself tips for preventing air leaks in your home:

• Add insulation in the attic, walls and basement.  Insulation in the attic should be approximately 10 to 14 inches thick depending on insulation type;
• Seal the attic access hatch or door by adding self-sticking weather stripping and hook-and-eye fasteners to keep it shut tight;
• In the basement, seal any cracks and gaps around rim joists. A rim joist is where the foundation meets wooden wall or ceiling framing;
• Regularly inspect weather stripping around any doors that lead outside the house.  Replace worn weather stripping when necessary to prevent air loss;
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to alert the presence of any carbon monoxide following an air sealing project; and
• See this guide book for a more in-depth look at do-it-yourself home sealing.

Low income and payment troubled customers who meet certain eligibility criteria may qualify for energy assistance programs such as the Consumer Assistance Program, Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and hardship funds.  LIURP includes energy audits performed by utilities for the purpose of helping low income customers reduce their energy usage.  For additional information on these programs, visit the Energy Assistance Programs section of the PUC’s Web site.  For more information on home energy auditing and home air sealing see the federal Energy Star Web site.

As part of its “Earth Day Pledge” initiative, the PUC is distributing conservation tips to Pennsylvania utility customers leading up to Earth Day, April 22.  The tips include guidance on how to conserve water and energy, and some simple spring cleaning chores that may make your home more energy efficient.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov