How about something as simple as finding a way to fund new energy efficient windows and doors on some of the homes that do not have them yet, such as myself and my neighbor next door?  The home weatherization program offers weatherization such as blown in insulation and weather stripping but no windows.  Something as simple as adding windows to the weatherization program would save energy while saving residents money.  I wish the funding programs would go all the way when they offer services to reduce energy consumption. What good does weatherization do without good windows?

 dollar for dollar, windows are not the best way to spend weatherization money. Pay attention to the area that the window is in, the frame, tighten and caulk, then weatherstrip, add plastic, and you have decent windows for the winter. Windows are expensive and people buy them and watch the wind blow the drapes as new windows are not the same as the sash and frame. It is sort of like taking a shower and putting the dirty clothes back on. I would love to see money spent on a resource center like the one we used to have that show all the parts and how to fix stuff like windows.

So you are saying that everyone that bought nice new energy efficient windows wasted their money?  I sure would like to experiment with some nice new windows and see how much my gas bill decreases.  Maybe I can get some Federal funding for this 'study'?  Maybe I will be proven wrong but right now with the information I have I think good windows will help reduce energy expenditure and cost quite a bit during the winter months when the wind is blowing fiercely.  I'd be willing to 'study' the issue to be sure because I could be wrong, but I don't think so. 

 I am saying that in the scheme of insulating, insulating sidewalls and attics are a better use of money than windows.

I had that done, but my home is still cold in the winter months and my gas bill goes sky high if I want to stay warm in all of my 5 rooms.  My husband and I have resorted to staying in one room during the cold winter months and keep warm using an electric heater. My husband says he visualizes us as Bob Cratchet.  All we need now is fingerless gloves, which I heard are in vogue now. But, now that the price of electric is increasing I actually dread the coming winter.  I really don't know where I will get the money to pay for heat.  And we rarely qualify for assistance.  I always say that we are in 'the rut' because we earn too much to qualify most assistance but not enough to meet our needs as home owners.  It is sad.  I know many other people are in the same situation.