Weatherization Assistance Program

Quick Facts

Benefit value: Professional energy auditors and contractors deliver energy-saving measures—insulation, air sealing, HVAC upgrades—worth an average of $8,000 to $14,000, with higher caps for multifamily and high-cost regions.
Administered by: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with state, tribal, and territorial agencies plus local weatherization providers.
Primary goals: Reduce energy bills for low-income households, improve health and safety, and support local clean energy jobs.
Program reach: Available in every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and many Tribal nations.
Cost to participants: No direct cost. Renters need landlord permission for certain improvements; landlords may be asked to contribute to measures that benefit the property long-term.

Program Overview

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is the nation’s largest residential energy-efficiency initiative targeting low-income households. Established in 1976, WAP provides comprehensive home energy retrofits designed to reduce utility bills, improve indoor comfort, and address health and safety hazards like carbon monoxide or mold. Weatherization services go beyond simple fixes—energy auditors conduct diagnostic tests such as blower door tests and infrared scans to identify leaks and inefficiencies before crafting a customized work order.

WAP prioritizes households facing the highest energy burdens: seniors on fixed incomes, families with young children, individuals with disabilities, and residents of high-cost energy regions. The program also supports workforce development by training local contractors in energy efficiency best practices. With federal funding increasing through initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more households can access these upgrades.

Eligibility Criteria

Income Guidelines

Most states set income eligibility at 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Some align with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) thresholds or use state median income percentages.
Participation in programs like SNAP, TANF, SSI, or certain utility hardship programs may confer categorical eligibility.
Households receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC/TANF) are automatically eligible under federal law.

Priority Populations

Households with a member aged 60 or older
Households with a person with a disability
Families with children under 6
High energy users or homes with high energy burden (e.g., high utility bills compared to income)

Housing Types

Single-family homes, mobile homes, and multifamily buildings qualify. For multifamily projects, providers coordinate with building owners to treat multiple units simultaneously.
Renters can participate with landlord consent. Landlords may need to agree to maintain rent levels or contribute to improvements that primarily benefit the property’s value.

Application Process

Although details vary by state, the following steps provide a roadmap to weatherization success.

Step 1: Locate Your Local Provider

Use DOE’s Find Your Local Weatherization Provider tool.
Contact your state weatherization office or local community action agency (CAA) to request an application. Many agencies manage both LIHEAP and WAP, allowing coordinated services.

Step 2: Assemble Documentation

Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, unemployment benefits, etc.)
Recent utility bills (electric, gas, fuel oil, propane) to demonstrate usage
Photo ID and Social Security numbers for household members (requirements vary)
Proof of ownership (deed, mortgage statement) or rental agreement with landlord contact information
Landlord permission form if renting

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applications may be available online, by mail, or in person. Many agencies offer assistance completing forms, including translation services.
Keep copies of all submitted documents and request a receipt or confirmation email.

Step 4: Await Eligibility Determination

Agencies review income and household characteristics to prioritize applicants. Expect waitlists in high-demand areas; some households wait several months.
While waiting, ask about interim support such as LIHEAP crisis assistance, utility payment plans, or energy budgeting workshops.

Step 5: Schedule the Energy Audit

Once selected, a certified energy auditor conducts a home assessment, including blower door testing, combustion safety tests, and visual inspections of insulation, windows, and HVAC systems.
The auditor uses software to model energy savings and determine cost-effective measures, ensuring upgrades meet the “Savings-to-Investment Ratio” (SIR) threshold.

Step 6: Installation of Measures

Local crews or contractors install approved measures: attic and wall insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, LED lighting, programmable thermostats, HVAC repairs or replacements, and minor repairs necessary for efficiency (roof patching, venting corrections).
Health and safety upgrades—smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, ventilation improvements—are standard components.

Step 7: Final Inspection

A quality control inspector verifies that work meets DOE standards. They may retest the home to confirm energy savings and ensure safe operation of combustion appliances.
Sign final paperwork acknowledging completion. Keep copies for future reference.

Maximizing Benefits

Coordinate with Other Programs

Pair WAP with LIHEAP for immediate bill assistance while waiting for weatherization work.
Some utilities offer additional rebates or free smart thermostats. Provide proof of WAP participation to unlock bonus incentives.
Investigate state-funded programs for solar panels or appliance upgrades that complement weatherization measures.

Prepare Your Home

Clear access to attics, crawl spaces, and mechanical rooms before the audit.
Provide maintenance history for heating and cooling systems. Sharing previous repairs helps auditors target persistent issues.
List comfort problems—drafty rooms, ice dams, moisture—to ensure auditors address them.

Engage Landlords Proactively

Explain to landlords that weatherization lowers tenant turnover and protects property value. Provide DOE fact sheets highlighting benefits.
Negotiate agreements that limit rent increases post-weatherization to avoid displacement.

Maintain Upgrades

Replace HVAC filters regularly, follow thermostat guidance, and avoid blocking vents or returns.
Learn proper use of new equipment (e.g., heat pump controls) through training offered by installers.
Track utility bills before and after weatherization to quantify savings. Share data with the agency—it supports funding and program improvements.

Health and Safety Enhancements

Weatherization projects often reveal hazards: gas leaks, carbon monoxide, mold, lead paint, or knob-and-tube wiring. WAP addresses health and safety to ensure energy upgrades do not exacerbate risks.

Combustion safety: Technicians test furnaces, water heaters, and stoves to confirm proper venting and carbon monoxide levels. Repairs or replacements occur before sealing the home.
Moisture control: Air sealing reduces drafts but requires proper ventilation. Crews install bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, sump pumps, or vapor barriers as needed.
Electrical safety: Old wiring may need upgrades to support new insulation or equipment. WAP funds minor electrical repairs if necessary for safe weatherization.
Lead-safe practices: For homes built before 1978, crews follow EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) protocols to prevent lead exposure.

Workforce and Economic Impact

Participating in WAP supports local jobs. Agencies hire energy auditors, crew chiefs, installers, and administrative staff. Training programs—often in partnership with community colleges—equip workers with Building Performance Institute (BPI) certifications. Households can ask about job openings or training opportunities during interactions with the weatherization agency.

Advanced Strategies to Win the Weatherization Assistance Program

Leverage Waitlist Time

While waiting, gather additional documentation, attend energy education workshops, and complete home maintenance tasks (e.g., clearing clutter, fixing leaks). Being prepared accelerates work once scheduled.

Request Priority Consideration

If your household faces medical conditions aggravated by extreme temperatures, provide doctor’s letters supporting expedited service.
Veterans, survivors of natural disasters, or households at risk of utility shutoffs may qualify for priority lanes—ask explicitly.

Explore Multifamily Opportunities

For apartment buildings, organize neighbors to apply collectively. Building-wide projects deliver economies of scale and higher energy savings.
Property owners can apply for multifamily weatherization grants that cover central systems, insulation, and common-area lighting.

Stack Funding for Deep Retrofits

Combine WAP with utility rebates, tax credits (such as the Inflation Reduction Act’s Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit), and state green banks to finance comprehensive upgrades including solar, battery storage, or high-efficiency heat pumps.

Document Savings for Future Programs

Keep a binder with audit reports, invoices, and utility bills. This documentation can qualify you for future incentives or resale disclosures.

Advocate for Reinvestment

Share your success story with local officials and community organizations. Increased visibility helps agencies secure larger allocations, reducing waitlists and expanding services.

Insider Tips to Win the Weatherization Assistance Program

Apply through multiple entry points. Submit applications via both the state weatherization office and local community action agencies to ensure your household is on every waitlist.
Combine with LIHEAP early. LIHEAP staff can flag high-energy-burden households for weatherization referrals, speeding placement.
Keep contact information current. Agencies remove applicants they cannot reach. Update phone numbers and email addresses immediately when they change.
Respond quickly to calls. Agencies often schedule audits with little notice. Answer unknown numbers or return calls within 24 hours to avoid losing your spot.
Photograph problem areas. Sharing images of damaged insulation, frost buildup, or cracked windows helps auditors plan measures in advance.
Attend tenant-landlord meetings. If you rent, participate in meetings between the agency and landlord to ensure access to units and clarify rent protections.
Plan for pets. Secure pets during audits and installation to prevent delays or safety issues.
Follow post-installation guidance. Agencies may schedule follow-up visits or surveys. Participating ensures you remain eligible for future services and supports program evaluation.
Leverage community ambassadors. Many agencies employ past participants as ambassadors who provide peer coaching. Request an introduction for insider advice.
Explore career pathways. Ask contractors about apprenticeships or training programs—weatherization skills translate into HVAC, construction, and solar jobs.