Weatherization Installers and Technicians

Career summary

Weatherization installers and technicians inspect the home or building. They check for drafts and leaks and check the attic and crawl space for insulation (and any damage to it). Special tools are needed to determine airflow and where hot or cold air might leak.

Once weatherization installers and technicians complete their inspections, they tell clients what should be replaced, installed, or changed. Technicians explain each option, from installing new water heaters to using lower watt light bulbs. They estimate the costs of these changes for homeowners.

Weatherization installers and technicians have to understand both electrical and heating systems. These workers must have good mechanical skills and be able to work with a variety of equipment. They use special tools for testing and to install or fix new doors, windows, air ducts, and insulation. They also perform heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) work. They also work with:

• Wood
• Drywall
• Windows
• Caulk

They install insulation in attics and other hard to reach spaces. They place thermal blankets on water heaters and wrap pipes and ductwork to seal leaks and reduce energy costs.

Weatherization installers and technicians schedule appointments and maintain work and billing records. They also must clean and maintain their tools.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Carpenters
• Construction Helpers
• Drywall Installers
• Electrician Helpers
• Electricians
• Glaziers
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Insulation Installers
• Plumbers and Pipefitters
• Roofers
• Sheet Metal Workers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to weatherization installers and technicians.

• Test and diagnose air flow systems.
• Inspect buildings to identify weatherization needs, such as repair work, modification, or replacement.
• Keep logs of activity, financials, and records of work performed.
• Apply insulation materials to attics, crawl spaces, basements, duct, water lines, and walls.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of bids and contracts.
• Install and seal air ducts and other openings in buildings to improve heating and cooling efficiency.
• Recommend weatherization techniques to clients according to their needs and relevant building codes.
• Explain energy conservation measures, recommendations, policies, requirements and other information to residents and building owners.
• Clean and maintain tools and equipment.
• Prepare and apply weather-stripping, glazing, caulking, or door sweeps.
• Prepare cost estimates.
• Make minor repairs.

Common work activities

Weatherization installers and technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform for or work with the public
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Evaluate information against standards
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Schedule work and activities
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Document and record information
• Handle and move objects
• Control machines and processes
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Process information
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Teach others
• Think creatively
• Coach others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Analyze data or information
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Develop and build teams
• Monitor and control resources
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Explain the meaning of information to others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, weatherization installers and technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social interaction. They talk to clients throughout the day, but do have time alone during installation.
• Are greatly responsible for the safety of others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work results of other technicians.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Communicate mostly via telephone and in-person discussions. They also write e-mail, but less frequently.

Physical work conditions

• Wear specialized protective and safety gear on a daily basis.
• Work both indoors and outdoors.
• Frequently get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
• Are exposed to contaminants on a daily basis.
• On a weekly basis are exposed to very hot or cold temperatures. This is largely due to weather patterns.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment and situations.
• Sometimes must work in extreme lighting conditions.
• Occasionally are exposed to high places during installation or inspection.
• Occasionally are exposed to loud or distracting sounds and noise levels.
• Travel to and from work sites in an enclosed vehicle, such as a truck or van.
• May work physically near others, within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be exact when performing the job. Errors can impact the efficiency of client homes.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.
• Are usually able to make decisions on their own that effect their customers. Sometimes they consult with other installers or supervisors before taking a course of action.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.
• Make decisions that effect their company and their clients' homes.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a set schedule.
• Usually work 40 hours per week.
• May work overtime.

Physical demands

Weatherization installers and technicians frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for weatherization installers and technicians to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for weatherization installers and technicians to be able to:

• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Weatherization installers and technicians need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Building Construction Technology
• Construction Trades

Other programs of study to consider

• Building Maintenance

Training

To work as a weatherization installer and technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have work experience in a related occupation or have a combination of education and experience.

Education after high school

A college degree is not required to become a weatherization installer or technician. However, many installers and technicians have an associate degree in a building trade-related field, or a certificate from a training program.

A small number of colleges and universities offer training or continuing education programs in weatherization installation or technology. These programs offer specific courses in weatherization techniques as well as courses in work place safety and basic building and construction skills.

Work experience

It is helpful to have construction, mechanical, or electrical work experience. People with construction backgrounds are well suited for the work.

On-the-job training

If you have related work experience, you can become a weatherization installer or technician through on-the-job training. The length of this training can vary from a couple months up to a year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Algebra
• Computer Science
• Electricity
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Introduction to Mechanics
• Physical Science

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.  Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for weatherization installers and technicians who have related work experience in this field. Those who are certified may have a competitive edge over other applicants.

Employers look for applicants with excellent communication skills. Installers and technicians must communicate with homeowners and other workers, so the ability to write and speak well is important. Those who are organized and detail-oriented are desirable employees as well.

In addition, it is important to be in good physical condition, as installers often have to lift and carry materials and equipment. Good balance and no fear of cramped spaces is also important.

Licensing/certification

Typically, workers who install, test, and maintain electrical systems are required to have an electrician's license. Check with your state for information about local licensing requirements.

Wages

#Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for weatherization installers and technicians. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "miscellaneous construction and related workers.

Pay varies with the area of the country, the employer, and the worker's experience. Workers who have an electrician's license typically earn more.

Full-time weatherization installers and technicians may receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation. Installers and technicians who work for small companies may have to provide their own insurance. 

National wage information is not available specifically for weatherization installers and technicians. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other construction and related workers."

Employment and outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Construction companies
• Utility companies

National outlook

Growth is expected to continue in the weatherization industry. This is due to the trend in government incentives and increased consumer interest. These incentives make weatherization more affordable for individuals and businesses. As the construction industry rebounds opportunities for weatherization installers should be good. An increase in the number of powerful storms also means that more people are taking steps to protect their homes.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for weatherization installers and technicians. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other construction and related workers."

Other resources

Building Performance Institute 
(Training and certification information)

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy information 
(US Department of Energy)

Green Building Certification Institute 

Insulation Contractors Association of America 
703.739.0356

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Weatherization Installers and Technicians (47-4099.03) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupation

• Insulation Worker (863.364-014) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled