Determinants of program effectiveness: Results of the national weatherization evaluation

Title: Determinants of program effectiveness: Results of the national weatherization evaluation
Format: Journal Article
Publication Date: 1995
Published In: Energy
Description: The findings of a national evaluation of the U.S. Department of Energy's low-income Weatherization Assistance Program ("Program") are used to explain variations in Program effectiveness. Overall, the Program was found to be a cost-effective federal investment. However, local weatherization agencies vary greatly in the effectiveness of their operators, and the energy saved by individual dwellings ranges widely. By applying four different analytic approaches, we identify several determinants of high energy savings, including the following: weatherizing high energy users; installing attic, wall, and floor insulation; insulating water heaters, installing low-flow showerheads, and reducing hot water temperatures; curing distribution system problems; and replacing inefficient heating systems. The installation of storm windows and doors, on the other hand, generally is associated with inferior savings. This paper demonstrates the value of using alternative but complementary qualitative and quantitative methods to identify determinants of Program effectiveness. © 1995.
Ivan Allen College Contributors:
Citation: Energy. 20. Issue 8. 729 - 743. ISSN 0360-5442. DOI 10.1016/0360-5442(95)00027-E.
Related Departments:
  • Climate and Energy Policy Laboratory
  • School of Public Policy