Weatherization Assistance Programs

Weatherization programs are offered by all state government across the nation, and the services offered are free to homeowners and renters. The programs were created primarily to help lower and moderate income households save on their energy, utility, and heating bills. On average, weatherization programs will reduce heating bills by almost 35% and the program will lower overall energy bills by about $400 per year. The program is funded by grants from the federal government.

Weatherization assistance programs are very successful. They have helped reduce the energy bills of millions of lower -income families and other families who are struggling or need help with energy bills. The program does not provide cash grants or direct aid. Rather, weatherization programs reduce the homeowners dependency and free up the money usually spent on energy bills so that families can spend the money on other, more pressing family issues and needs, such as rent, mortgage, food, or medical bills.

What types of improvements are included from weatherization?
Funds received from weatherization assistance can be used to pay for a variety of energy saving improvements. For example, funds could be used to pay for improvements such as attic or floor insulation, furnace repairs, space heaters, door and window seals, thresholds, weather-stripping, glazing, new hot water heaters, and more.

It has been proven that weatherization assistance and LHEAP assistance programs work. Almost 7 million lower income families have received help from this program over the last 20 years. The program reduces our nations energy dependency on foreign oil, stimulates growth of families as they now have cash to pay other bills, and it also improves the environment.

How do I apply?
Most weatherization programs are administered by your state government. Your state government then provides the funding to your local community action agencies. If you want to learn more about the weatherization program or how to apply for free weatherization assistance, contact a Community Action Agency or other Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provider. Click here to find local community action agencies, government organizations, and other organizations.

Through the weatherization assistance program, contractors install energy efficiency measures in the homes of qualifying homeowners free of charge. The upgrades installed are free to homeowners. And some of the improvements can be extensive. For example, the average expenditure limit is $6,500 per home.

Many of the state weatherization programs can also repair or replace your furnace. The contractor will make sure the home heating system you use is safe and is also in good working order. Some of the work performed on your furnace may include repair, retrofit, clean and tune it, and also sometimes replacement of the entire furnace or heating unit for free.

And further good news is that the federal government has increased weatherization program funding by almost $10 billion from the new stimulus program.