Weatherization installers and technicians Green Job Profile

Weatherization Installers and Technicians Green Job Profile

Posted on Jun 7, 2012 in Energy Efficiency Jobs by Anh Speer, Ph.D. 0 Comments

Weatherization installers and technicians perform a number of activities to weatherize homes and buildings to make them more energy efficient. These green job holders also conduct energy audits on homes to determine what weatherization techniques are most cost effective and advise their clients on energy efficient techniques. Weatherization installers and technicians first inspect homes or buildings to identify air leaks and determine necessary weatherization measures. Leaks can be found in air ducts, doors, windows, attic and crawl spaces.Weatherization installers and technicians use furnace efficiency analysis equipment to test and diagnose air flow systems for leaks. They then apply insulation materials such as foam insulation to attics, crawl spaces, basements, or walls. To improve heating and cooling efficiency, they install and seal air ducts, combustion air openings, or ventilation openings. The following are tools that weatherization installers and technicians may use in their jobs:

Blower doors and smoke generators are tools to measure the air leaks of a home or a building. Once the repairs are complete, they can be used to measure if the repairs were successful.
Moisture detectors are tools to measure moisture in a home or building to determine the places that need to be sealed
Digital combustion analyzers are tools used to test carbon monoxide and gauge furnace efficiency

As part of their job, weatherization installers and technicians prepare cost estimates or specifications for weatherization services and recommend weatherization techniques to clients. To reduce energy losses, weatherization installers and technicians will also prepare and apply weather-stripping, glazing, caulking, or door sweeps. They also install storm windows or storm doors and ensure they fit properly helping create an energy efficient home. Another important role they play is to educate clients on energy conservation measures, such as the use of low flow toilets, shower heads and energy efficient lighting.

Green Job Summary

Weatherization installers and technicians weatherize homes and buildings to make them energy efficient.
Weatherization installers and technicians jobs are projected to grow at 10-19% in the next ten years – among the average speed for all jobs in the energy efficiency job category.
Weatherization installers and technicians are among those green job holders who have a bright outlook because of the growing demands in energy efficient and zero energy homes.

Work Environment for Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Weatherization installers and technician usually work in residential homes where they need to repair windows, insulate ducts, and perform heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) work. They may be required to lift heavy objects. Their work often requires prolonged standing or bending while working in the attics or crawl spaces. Most weatherization installers and technicians have a 40-hour work week.

Education, Training and Licensing

A weatherization installers and technician usually enter this green career with training from vocational schools or related on-the-job experience. The minimum educational requirement for an entry level position is a high school diploma. With the increasing demands in energy efficient homes, a lot of community colleges are offering weatherization installer courses. Candidates with additional training in weatherization courses will have a higher chance of getting the job. Employees in this job typically require one or two years of training with other experienced workers as part of their on-the-job experience. Weatherization installers and technicians can train for and earn Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification in different areas and be considered as specialist in the chosen areas.

Employment Figures, Projections, Outlook and Earnings

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates a bright outlook for Weatherization Installers and Technicians. The BLS projected 23,200 job openings between 2010 and 2020, and noted 45,000 jobs as a Weatherization Installer and Technician are currently filled. The BLS further reports that the median annual wage for salaried Weatherization installers and technicians was $32,200 in 2011 with median hourly wage of $16.92.