Free home weatherization from the government.
Energy conservation in the form of free weatherization programs are available in the states listed below. Using government funding, local agencies help low income families, seniors, and disabled people. Find how to apply for the weatherization (WAP) program near you in order to get updates including free insulation, light bulbs, windows and a variety of home energy conservation services from the government.
The free government weatherproofing type service may be offered by a local community action agency, human service organization, or department of social service office in your state. Low-income people that live in an older house will often get be first in priority to weatherize their home, with a focus on seniors and the disabled. In some cases a renter can also apply for free weatherization or related energy conservation services.
What does weatherizing a home include?
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A wide variety of updates can be done to weatherproof the house, depending on the age of the property as well as other factors. A government weatherization service will often start with a home energy audit. Based on the result of that, the programs can pay for some or all of the following.
The government, using local highly trained contractors (such as community action) will weatherize the house including heating system tune ups, caulking, fixing drafty doors, or HVAC or furnace maintenance. What is also common includes window repairs or replacement, insulation, fixing or patching up a roof and more. There may also be new hot water heaters, air conditioners, as well as free energy savings light bulbs given to low income households, including CFL bulbs.
On average, when someone is able to weatherize their home using the government benefit, the property owner will reduce heating bills by 20 to 40%. Savings amount will vary widely though. Weatherization has helped reduce the utility bills of millions of lower -income families and other families who are struggling. The savings also continue year after year as the home will be permanently enhanced.
The government program does not provide cash grants or direct financial help to a low-income family. Rather, weatherizing a house reduces the homeowners dependency on heat and electrical usage, which is an indirect form of financial relief as it helps the family save on future bills. In some cases, minor home repairs can be done, provided they somehow impact energy efficiency.
It has been proven that weatherization as well as the federally funded LIHEAP low-income energy assistance programs work. The resource also has the additional benefit of reducing 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.
Weatherization addresses health, safety as well as energy efficiency
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Through the weatherization assistance program, contractors install energy efficiency measures in the homes of qualified lower income homeowners free of charge. Not only will this work help the client save money on their utility and heating bills, but it also makes the property both safer and more comfortable to live in. No matter what work is done, the various improvements and upgrades as part of weatherizing a house are free to homeowners.
Some of the weatherproofing improvements can be extensive, and can include all new windows or insulation of a home, attic, and more - all for free. For example, the average expenditure is about $12,000 per home (depending on the state and federal budget). If the residence is older and requires more updates, then even more money may be spent on the property.
Many of the state weatherization programs can also repair or replace your furnace or primary heating unit. Or they tune up an HVAC unit which also improves the safety of the home. The contractor will make sure the system you use is safe and is also in good working order. They may even repair a water heater or other major appliances.
So a variety of health and safety issues are addressed as part of the this federal government created energy conservation program. Some of the work performed on your furnace may include repair, retrofit, cleaning and tuning of it, and also sometimes replacement of the entire furnace or heating unit is done in order to reduce energy bills and address any safety needs. If there are still funds available in the weatherization budget, then this work is also done for free.
How to apply for weatherization near you
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The grant money to pay for the weatherproofing as well as home improvements comes from the US Department of Energy and then your state government provides the funding to your local community action agency. Many utility companies also participate, as they may provide customers energy assessments to their customers. Or they giveaway free energy efficiency light bulbs, provide rebates or financial assistance to pay for Energy Star Appliances, and help by giving homeowners insulation as well as other resources.
Most weatherization programs (WAP) are administered by your state government (see a list below) in partnership with other local non-profit organizations. A local community action agency will often have free applications on site, or they can refer the family as to where to apply. Social or Human service offices, or even a local utility company, are also a great place to learn more or get an application. There is also the DOE (Department of Energy) referral service as a tool to use.
If you want to learn more about the weatherization program, the income criteria in a certain county, or how to apply for the free weatherization assistance program in your area, contact a local government organization or Community Action Agency near you. Or, depending on your state, some local social or human service offices may process applications.
As noted, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provider (LIHEAP or your state’s version) in your county or town is combined with weatherization. As some states will allow free grant money from low-income energy assistance to also pay to weatherize their home. A priority is always for families living in or near poverty, the elderly, or disabled. While there is often a waiting list, there are no costs to apply for weatherization.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Do you have a question or want to read what others are saving about government energy conservation programs like weatherization? Feel free to visit our forum dedicated too all things weatherization, including other people experiences from around the country and what they are saying.
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