Other Health and Safety Concerns

Other issues that may affect health and safety include the following:

Building Code Compliance: It is the state's responsibility to ensure that weatherization-related work conforms with applicable codes in jurisdictions where work is being performed. For example, an agency that installs attic insulation may be required to increase attic ventilation per the local building code.

Model Energy Codes: Some states apply new construction energy codes to retrofit work. For example, in South Carolina, it may only be cost-effective per DOE regulations to add R-11 insulation to an attic that already contains R-11 insulation (for a total of R-22). However, South Carolina's model energy code mandates that if insulation is added, it must be brought up to R-30. Because of this conflict between DOE regulations and the state model energy code, crews may be prohibited from adding any insulation to the attic.

Licensed Contractors: In some states and local jurisdictions, electrical work as simple as replacing a light switch or lighting fixture must be performed by a licensed electrician. Many states also require a HVAC contractor to perform all furnace work.