What the Weatherization information Program does
The Weatherization information Program (WAP) is a federal initiative run by the U.S. Department of Energy that pays for energy efficiency improvements to your home at no cost to you. The program sends a contractor to your house, conducts an energy audit, and then installs upgrades like insulation, air sealing, heating system repairs, or water heater improvements. You do not pay for the work, the materials, or the audit.
The program exists because homes with poor insulation, air leaks, and aging heating systems waste energy and money. WAP targets low-income households — the people most harmed by high utility bills — and makes their homes more efficient so they use less fuel and electricity. The work is done by local contractors trained and certified through the program.
Key Takeaways
- WAP is administered by your state energy office but delivered through local agencies, so you contact your local Community Action Agency or weatherization office, not a federal office.
- The program covers a full energy audit and then installs improvements like insulation, air sealing, heating repairs, and water heater work — all at no cost to you.
- Income limits vary by state and household size, but generally you must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line to be considered.
- The process from first contact to completed work typically takes several months because programs have waiting lists and must prioritize households with the greatest need.
- You must own or rent your home, and if you rent, your landlord must give written permission before work begins.
How to find your local weatherization office
WAP is not a single national program you call. Instead, each state receives federal funding and distributes it through local Community Action Agencies, local government offices, or nonprofit organizations. To find yours, start with the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) weatherization locator, or call 211 and ask for the weatherization program in your area.
Once you have the contact information, call and ask whether the program is currently taking new households. Many programs have waiting lists that close when funding runs low. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens — some programs reopen seasonally or when new federal funding arrives.
When you call, have ready your household income (from recent pay stubs or tax returns), the number of people in your home, and whether you own or rent. The local office will tell you whether your income falls within their limits and what documents you will need to bring.
Income limits and household size
WAP serves households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line in most states, though some states set the limit lower. The poverty line changes each year and depends on household size. For 2024, 200 percent of the poverty line for a household of four is approximately $63,000 per year, but this figure varies by state and is updated annually.
Your local weatherization office will have the exact income limit for your state and household size. If your income is above the limit, you may still be considered if you receive certain benefits like LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy information Program), SNAP, or Medicaid — ask your local office whether you meet any of these exceptions.
Income is usually verified with recent tax returns, pay stubs, or a signed statement of income if you are self-employed or receive benefits. Bring whatever documents you have; the local office will tell you what counts.
What improvements WAP typically installs
The specific work done to your home depends on the energy audit. A WAP contractor will inspect your home, test for air leaks, check your heating and cooling systems, and measure insulation levels. They then recommend improvements that will save the most energy for your household.
Common improvements include air sealing (caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors), attic or wall insulation, heating system repairs or replacement, water heater insulation or replacement, and ventilation fixes. Some programs also install low-flow showerheads, pipe insulation, or refrigerator replacement if the old one is inefficient.
The program has a spending limit per household — typically between $6,500 and $7,500 depending on your state — so the contractor prioritizes the work that will reduce your energy use the most. You do not choose which improvements are done; the audit determines the work.
The timeline from contact to completion
The process usually takes two to six months from your first call to the day work is finished. The first step is a phone screening to confirm your income and household size. If you pass that, you are placed on a waiting list.
When your turn comes, a WAP contractor schedules an energy audit at your home, which takes one to three hours. After the audit, the contractor prepares a work plan and gets approval from the local office. Once approved, the actual work is scheduled — this can take weeks depending on the contractor's schedule and the scope of the job.
Work itself usually takes one to five days depending on what is being done. After the work is complete, a final inspection confirms everything was done correctly and meets program standards.
Renters and landlord permission
If you rent, you can still use WAP, but your landlord must give written permission before any work begins. The program will not proceed without it. Some landlords are willing because the improvements increase the home's value and reduce their utility costs if they pay for heat or electricity.
If your landlord refuses, you cannot use WAP for that home. Some programs have separate funding for landlord-owned properties where the landlord applies directly, but this varies by state and local office. Ask your local weatherization office whether a landlord-direct program exists in your area.
Renters should know that WAP improvements stay with the home — you do not take them with you if you move. The improvements benefit future tenants as well.
What happens after the work is done
Once improvements are installed, you own them. There is no repayment requirement, no loan to pay back, and no restrictions on how long you can stay in the home. The work is yours to keep.
You should see lower energy bills in the months after work is complete, though the exact savings depend on the improvements made and how much you use heating or cooling. Some households save 10 to 30 percent on energy costs, but this varies widely.
If you have questions about maintaining the new equipment — like a new heating system or water heater — the contractor should explain how to use and care for it. Keep any warranties or documentation they provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am on a waiting list and need help with my heating bill now?
WAP is for home improvements, not when ready bill payment. If you need help paying a current bill, ask your local office about LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy information Program), which is a separate program that pays utilities directly. You can pursue both at the same time.
Can WAP work be done if I have a mortgage or home equity loan?
Yes. WAP does not require you to own your home outright. As long as you live in the home and meet the income limit, you can use the program. The improvements become part of your home and add to its value.
What if the contractor finds a serious problem like mold or structural damage?
WAP contractors are trained to identify health and safety issues. If they find something serious, they will report it to the local office and may pause work until the problem is addressed. They will not install weatherization improvements in a home with active mold or structural hazards. You may need to contact a separate contractor or your local health department to fix the underlying issue first.
Do I have to be home during the energy audit and the work?
Yes, someone must be home to let the contractor in and answer questions about how you use the home. For the audit, plan for one to three hours. For the actual work, you should be home or have someone there, though the contractor can work while you are away if access is arranged in advance.
What if I move before the work is finished?
Contact your local weatherization office when ready. If work has not started, you may be removed from the program. If work is underway, the office will determine whether it can be completed or paused. Moving does not cancel your participation, but it may delay or stop the process depending on the stage.