Health implications of housing retrofits: Evidence from a population-wide weatherization program

This study provides the first population-representative quasi-experimental estimates on the impact of housing upgrades on occupant health. We analyze the exceptional period of renovations in East Germany following the German reunification during the 1990s. Triggered by one of the largest governmental loan programs in history, 3.6 million dwellings were renovated, focussing on upgrades to the building insulation, windows and heating systems. Using rich survey data based on the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) as well as administrative records of hospital admissions in Germany, we consistently show that housing weatherization upgrades sustainably reduce the demand for health care among the elderly sample of the population. [Display omitted] •In the 1990s, 3.6 million East German homes were renovated with weatherization.•About 50% of houses were upgraded with insulation, heating and windows.•Weatherization reduced hospital admissions for cardiovascular issues.•Health benefits mainly aid the elderly, especially on extremely cold or hot days.•Fewer hospital admissions led to significant savings in medical costs.