If your home is not well-protected from extreme temperatures, sun, high winds, and heavy rain, it can affect your energy costs, comfort—and even your health. That's where weatherization comes in. No matter where in the country you live, you should understand the importance of weatherization and how to get help protecting your home.

What is weatherization?

Weatherization is a process to protect a building from the outside elements and improve its energy efficiency. It helps a house stay warmer in the cold weather and cooler in the hot weather while reducing energy usage. Weatherization also helps prevent costly (and sometimes hazardous) damage from water, moisture, and sunlight.

What does it mean to weatherize a home?

Weatherizing involves making upgrades and repairs to a home to enhance energy efficiency and lower overall energy consumption. This may include, for example:

Energy-efficient upgrades

• Installing energy-efficient light bulbs
• Installing low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators

Appliance repairs

• Tuning and repairing heating systems

Insulation and sealing

• Insulating the walls and attic
• Caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows
• Replacing broken window glass
• Wrapping hot water tanks with insulation
• Preventing drafts by sealing areas where air leaks through
• Sealing/insulating heating and cooling ducts

Why is weatherization important?

Weatherizing is a worthwhile investment that can lead to significant ongoing energy savings.

Other benefits of weatherization include:

• Increasing the value of your home
• Improving indoor air quality
• Enhancing sleep quality
• Reducing energy-related hazards
• Decreasing environmental impact

Can I get weatherization assistance?

Many people with limited income struggle to afford their energy costs. Often, they're forced to choose between paying a utility bill and buying healthy food to eat. If your household needs help paying home heating and cooling expenses, you may qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

What is the Weatherization Assistance Program?

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is the largest residential energy efficiency program in the country. It helps households with limited income reduce their energy costs by improving their home’s energy performance (at no cost to them).

WAP provides funding to all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Native American tribes, and the five U.S. territories. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this program supports 8,500 jobs and helps weatherize about 32,000 homes each year. These improvements help eligible households save an average of $372 or more annually.¹

Services are 100% free for those who qualify.

Who qualifies for weatherization assistance?

Homeowners, renters, and mobile-home owners are all able to apply for WAP. Income is one of the biggest factors affecting WAP eligibility. Households that fall at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are eligible for weatherization assistance.

Among this group, priority is given to:²

• Older adults age 60+
• Households with one or more members with a disability
• Households with children, in most states
• High-energy users
• Households with a high energy burden

Also, each state may have its own additional eligibility guidelines.

A success story on the Department of Energy website highlights an 82-year-old Minneapolis resident who received weatherization assistance for his older (circa 1900) home. These services included attic insulation and air sealing, a new furnace, and a programmable thermostat. He's now feeling more comfortable in his weatherized home and saves over $20 monthly on heating bills.

How do I apply for weatherization assistance?

The process to apply for weatherization assistance differs from state to state. But in general, you should follow these steps:

1. Submit an application through your local WAP agency: Choose your state, tribe, or territory on this map to review eligibility guidelines. If you qualify, follow instructions on your state's website for how to apply. Some sites will link directly to an online WAP application. But most will ask you to choose an approved local weatherization agency from a list and request help directly through them.

Once you've selected a weatherization agency near you, contact them and ask to start the application process. You may be required to provide proof of income, such as pay stubs. The agency will tell you if you qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program once they receive your application and proof of income.

Note: In some states, like New Hampshire, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application is also used to apply for weatherization assistance. Check “yes” on the question that asks, “Are you interested in receiving weatherization services?” Some states may require that you apply and get approval for LIHEAP benefits before applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program.

2. Have a no-cost energy audit completed: If you're approved for weatherization services, you’ll receive a date for a home energy assessment (audit). During this audit, an energy auditor will do a walk-through of your home and review its energy efficiency. They will identify problem areas, such as inefficient appliances and drafty windows, as well as safety concerns like mold or poor indoor air quality. This process helps determine the most cost-effective energy conservation solutions to install in your home.

The auditor will then create a work order for your weatherization project. This work will be scheduled for a day and time that’s convenient for you. All services will be performed by a WAP-approved, fully licensed contractor based in your local area.

3. Prepare your home for weatherization services: Get ready for the crew’s arrival by securing any pets, removing clutter from main areas and walkways, and making your attic and basement accessible. If you rent, you must get permission from your landlord before receiving any weatherization services.

See if you qualify for WAP and other benefits programs

NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp is a free, easy-to-use online tool where you can learn about public and private benefits programs, including the Weatherization Assistance Program, and find out if you qualify.

Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org and enter your ZIP code to browse this and other programs that can help you afford basic essentials like groceries, utilities, medications, and more.

Sources

1. U.S. Department of Energy. Weatherization Assistance Program. Found on the internet at https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program 

2. U.S. Department of Energy Office of State and Community Energy Programs. How to Apply for Weatherization Assistance. Found on the Internet at https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance.