Weatherization Basics

Keeping your home comfortable shouldn’t mean wasting energy. Weatherization helps your home hold in the temperature you want—whether that’s warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer.

Learn more about what weatherization is, how it works, and how you can take advantage of simple improvements or available programs.

What is weatherization?

Weatherization is the process of improving your home for year-round comfort and energy efficiency. You can take several DIY and professionally facilitated steps to upgrade your home, so it effectively keeps heated or cooled air inside and prevents outside air from leaking in.

Most homes, especially older homes, commonly have small gaps, cracks, or areas with poor or inadequate insulation. These allow air to escape, making your heating and cooling systems work harder than they need to.

Weatherization focuses on:

Sealing air leaks
Improving insulation
Increasing overall energy efficiency

The result is a home that stays more comfortable year-round while using less energy.

How weatherization works
Think of your home as a container. If there are holes or thin spots, air will move in and out easily. Weatherization strengthens that “container.”

Common improvements include:

Insulation upgrades (attic, walls, floors)

Air sealing around doors, windows, and ducts

Duct sealing and repair

Ventilation improvements for healthy airflow

These upgrades help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reduce drafts, and improve overall comfort.
Why weatherization matters
Comfort:

Fewer drafts and cold/hot spots

More consistent indoor temperatures

Energy savings:

Reduced energy use

May lower heating and cooling costs

Home health and durability:

Better moisture control

Improved indoor air quality

Less strain on heating and cooling systems
Homeowners and renters
Both homeowners and renters can take advantage of energy-saving weatherization measures in different ways.

If you own your home:

Combine DIY with professional upgrades

Use rebates and incentives

Consider whole-home improvements

See if you qualify for free home upgrades through our Home Weatherization Assistance program

If you rent:

Talk to your property manager about upgrades

Explore assistance programs

If your property manager allows, start with DIY improvements

DIY weatherization

There are several low-cost steps you can take on your own to start weatherizing your home:

Sealing gaps and holes throughout your home with caulk or weatherstripping
Adding door sweeps
Using window coverings to reduce heat loss or gain

Professional weatherization and rebates

PSE offers several programs that might help you significantly lower your energy bill. Home upgrades including insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, and more are available.

Learn more about our programs and rebates

Income-qualified weatherization assistance

In partnership with federal and state funding, PSE is proud to offer our comprehensive Home Weatherization Assistance program for free to qualified customers.

Check to see if you qualify today