The Weatherization Program provides whole-home energy efficiency solutions like air sealing, insulation, and furnace repair or replacement for income-eligible households. The U.S. Department of Energy funds the program, and local community organizations administer it.
The program has served 7 million families since its establishment in 1976. It reduces energy costs while ensuring health and safety.
Cost
The purpose of the federal Weatherization Program is to decrease energy expenditures for low-income families. The program offers funding to increase the energy efficiency of dwellings by using a wide variety of improvements. Improvements include insulating walls and ceilings, sealing doors and windows, and modifying heating and cooling systems.
The program is overseen by the state, and is implemented by local providers. These are usually counties, city governments, community action agencies, or non-profit organizations. The providers hire locally-based, highly trained crews to perform the improvements. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements. Generally, an energy audit is conducted to determine the most cost-effective and safe improvements to be made. The improvements are then installed, and the home is inspected for quality.
In addition to reducing energy costs, weatherization programs can also reduce the risk of fire. The program works by addressing faulty wiring, insufficient insulation, and heating and cooling issues that are often the cause of residential fires. It also improves air quality by reducing the amount of dust and allergens in the house.
The cost of the weatherization program is based on a household’s income and other factors. Typically, the services are free for qualified households. To see if you are eligible, visit the website of your state’s WAP agency. Choose your state or tribal area on the map, and follow the link to review the eligibility guidelines.
Benefits
Many families can benefit from the installation of energy efficiency solutions through the Weatherization Assistance Program. This program provides low-income households with free or subsidized services that make their homes more energy efficient, which in turn reduces their utility costs. The program offers a wide range of services including air sealing with caulking and weather stripping, insulation (attic, wall, and foundation), water heater blankets, replacement of inefficient lighting with more efficient fixtures, and heating system repair or replacement. The program also installs programmable thermostats and other energy efficient appliances.
These changes can significantly decrease a household’s energy use, which in turn reduces its need for heat and electricity. For instance, replacing inefficient light bulbs and showerheads with more efficient versions can cut down a family’s demand for power by roughly 20%. Furthermore, insulating a home’s walls and attics can keep warm air inside while keeping cold air out, thereby decreasing the need for heating.
The benefits of a home energy upgrade through WAP are numerous and long-lasting. Besides reducing energy costs, the program creates thousands of jobs, lowers household health risks and environmental impacts, and improves home safety. It also promotes sustainable homeownership and helps reduce the stress on our nation’s power grid. Additionally, homeowners can save money by learning how to do some of the weatherization work themselves.
Installation
The Weatherization Program provides energy efficiency upgrades for low-income families, which lowers their home energy costs and improves the safety of their homes. These services include an energy audit to determine the most effective improvements, followed by the installation of these measures by a trained crew. The crew also thoroughly inspects the household to ensure its occupant’s safety and checks indoor air quality.
Eligibility for the program is determined by household income relative to state low-income guidelines. The program is implemented by a network of local providers who contract with households to perform the needed work. The work generally includes a variety of energy conservation measures such as duct sealing; wall and attic insulation; heating system repair or replacement; hot water tank and pipe insulation; installation of energy-efficient light bulbs and refrigerators; and minor repairs.
The Weatherization Assistance Program is a federally funded grant program that offers energy efficiency upgrades to low-income families. It is implemented by a network of local providers that includes community action agencies, local governments and non-profit organizations. These local providers are known as subgrantees. The program has helped more than 7 million households lower their energy bills and enjoy a safer, more comfortable home. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, and it is supported by other grants from the government, utilities and other sources.
Maintenance
The free government weatherization program is designed to help income-eligible families reduce their heating and cooling costs through energy conservation measures. This includes air sealing through caulking and weather stripping, attic and wall insulation, furnace or boiler repairs and replacements, hot water tank and pipe insulation, lighting upgrades and refrigerator replacements with Energy Star rated units.
As a result, the average household spends about 35% less on heating and utility bills after participating in the weatherization program. However, savings will vary greatly amongst households.
To determine eligibility for the Weatherization Program, a professional conducts an energy audit of your home or apartment. A full range of services is then offered depending on the results of this analysis. These may include adding or repairing insulation, sealing drafty doors and windows, HVAC tune ups, and installing energy efficient appliances.
The Weatherization Assistance Program is administered at the state level and offers services to both homeowners and renters. Eligibility is based on household income relative to federal low-income guidelines, and priority is given to senior citizens, families with children and persons with disabilities.
Once a household is determined to be eligible for Weatherization services, HCR hires a local provider through an open bid process to perform the scope of work outlined in an energy audit. The provider then works with the homeowner to schedule and complete the needed weatherization improvements.