Sealing every crack is essential in the weatherization process.
South Texas is oppressively hot throughout the year. During the summer months the temperatures reach dangerous levels. To combat this danger, the county governments in South Texas devise weatherization programs. These programs offer assistance to low income citizens in the form of essential home repairs. The programs ensure that homes are properly sealed and that qualified professionals repair and maintain air conditioners at no cost to the homeowner. These professionals are experienced contractors. You can join the ranks of these professionals by contracting with the program administrator once you have the necessary experience, licensure and insurance.
Instructions
1. Work as a home inspection specialist. The weatherization programs of South Texas hire qualified individuals to perform audits of homes. As a home inspector working for one of these programs, you look for needed energy efficiency changes in a client's home. Dig deep looking at insulation, caulk, windows and doors. Inspect the air conditioning unit and duct work. Take this list of changes and submit it to the program administrator to earn your pay.
2. Learn to install caulking and weatherstripping. These two items provide the majority of the home's energy efficiency. Weatherization program administrators need professionals with the ability to install these caulk and weatherstripping. Purchase putty knives, caulk guns, caulk, ladders, weatherstripping, rags and a razor knife to start your own installation business. Scrape and caulk every crack on every wall of a client's home. Seal the house inside and out. Install weatherstripping around doors and windows to complete the seals. Save your receipts to turn in to the administrator along with your invoice.
3. Get on the job experience with a qualified professional to learn insulation installation. Contractors working with weatherization programs must be proficient in ceiling, wall and floor insulation installation. Purchase razor knives, staple guns, respirators, safety glasses and protective safety suits for this job. Apply with the program administrator to become an insulation contractor. Review the inspection report provided by the program administrator at the beginning of each job. Purchase the necessary insulation and install it in the client's home. Submit copies of your receipts to the administrator along with a detailed invoice to be paid at the end of each job.
4. Attend classes at a trade school, community college or university to learn heating, ventilating and air conditioning, or HVAC. Work as an HVAC technician for at least five years to gain the expertise to start your own business. Apply with the program administrator to perform HVAC and duct maintenance and repair. Keep a detailed work log listing the specifics of each job. Study to keep up to date on local, state and federal laws concerning the handling of refrigerant. Always wear the appropriate safety equipment when handling refrigerant. Never release refrigerant into a client's home or the atmosphere. Submit a detailed invoice and copies of receipts to the administrator after each job is complete.
5. Contact the program manager periodically via email and phone for new assignments. Meet face to face with the program administrator weekly to turn in your invoices and receive your pay from the previous week. Keep a detailed work log of every project for at least five years. Refer back to this work log if a problem arises concerning a residence where you performed an inspection or repairs.
Tips Warnings
Fraud is a felony. Failure to be completely honest, or provide proof of your repairs through a work log and receipts, leaves you vulnerable to civil and criminal prosecution.
Always wear the proper safety equipment when using tools and working with hazardous materials, such as insulation and refrigerant.
Always clear the work area of bystanders before beginning work. Never allow a non-employee into the work area. Doing so is a violation of your business insurance. Remember, it is better to offend a client by asking him to go away than it is to expose a client to the hazards of the work place.
