The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federal program administered by the Department of Energy that provides free energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households. Services include insulation, air sealing, furnace repair/replacement, and window improvements.
16 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Check eligibility — Income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, OR you receive SSI, TANF, or LIHEAP benefits. Each state may use different income criteria (up to 60% of state medi...
- Find your local provider — Visit energy.gov/scep/wap and select your state to find local weatherization agencies. You can also call your state energy office or 211 for referrals.
- Submit an application — Contact your local weatherization agency directly. Provide proof of income, household size, and energy bills. Applications are typically available online, by mail, or in per...
- Wait for processing — Due to high demand, wait lists can be months to over a year. Priority is given to elderly, disabled, families with children, and high energy users.
- Energy audit — Once selected, a certified auditor performs a comprehensive home energy assessment including blower door test, combustion safety testing, and visual inspection.
- Improvements installed — Based on the audit, contractors install improvements. Common upgrades: attic/wall insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, furnace/boiler repair or replacement, water heater ...
- Final inspection — A quality assurance inspector verifies all work meets standards.
- Enjoy lower bills — Average WAP household saves $283/year on energy bills.
2. Key Details
- Completely free for qualifying households (no repayment required)
- Income limit: 200% of federal poverty level (varies by state)
- Both homeowners and renters eligible (landlord must agree for rental properties)
- Average investment per home: ~$4,695
- Average annual savings: $283 on energy bills
- Prioritized groups: elderly, disabled, families with children, high energy burden
- WAP received $3.5 billion in additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act
- Services include health and safety measures (carbon monoxide detectors, ventilation)
Common Mistakes
- Not applying because you assume you do not qualify (income limits are more ge...
- Not applying because you rent (renters qualify if the landlord agrees)
- Expecting immediate service (wait lists exist but the service is worth the wait)
- Not providing complete documentation with your application
- Confusing WAP with LIHEAP (LIHEAP pays energy bills; WAP makes physical impro...
Pro Tips
- Apply for both WAP and LIHEAP simultaneously — they complement each other
- If you receive SSI, TANF, or LIHEAP, you automatically meet income requirements
- Some states have additional weatherization programs beyond WAP
- Many utilities also offer free or discounted weatherization services
- WAP improvements can reduce energy bills by 20-30%