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Weatherization Installers and Technicians

In the Weatherization Installers and Technicians occupation, workers perform a variety of activities to weatherize homes and make them more energy efficient. O*NET rates it as some preparation, which usually means a few months to a year of learning on the job. It leans on monitoring, judgment and decision making, and installation. One core duty is to test combustible appliances, such as gas appliances. Interest ratings put Realistic on top at 6.0 out of 7 and Conventional second, so the code is RCI and the day leans toward hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Perform a variety of activities to weatherize homes and make them more energy efficient. Duties include repairing windows, insulating ducts, and performing heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) work. May perform energy audits and advise clients on energy conservation measures.

Main tasks

  • Test combustible appliances, such as gas appliances.
  • Determine amount of air leakage in buildings, using a blower door machine.
  • Test and diagnose air flow systems, using furnace efficiency analysis equipment.
  • Install and seal air ducts, combustion air openings, or ventilation openings to improve heating and cooling efficiency.
  • Inspect buildings to identify required weatherization measures, including repair work, modification, or replacement.
  • Recommend weatherization techniques to clients in accordance with needs and applicable energy regulations, codes, policies, or statutes.

Skills

  • Monitoring
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Installation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Systems Analysis
  • Speaking

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on monitoring and judgment and decision making.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.5 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Energy Administrator
  • Field Technician
  • Weatherization and Housing Inspector
  • Weatherization Installer
  • Weatherization Technician

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.