Weatherization Assistance FAQ

Households with an income of up to 60% of the state’s median income are eligible for services from the Weatherization Assistance Program.

This program is not restricted to any age group, but prioritizes assistance to the disabled, elderly, and households with children under six years old, and those with the highest energy costs. Owners, as well as tenants, may qualify providing they meet income-eligibility guidelines.

Weatherization services provided free of charge by the Community Action Agencies are only for low-income residents. Homeowners seeking these services may qualify for other tax credits and grants under different programs and with different contractors. Such programs are still under development.

Weatherization saves energy in the home by repairing and improving the building. The goal is to increase your home's energy efficiency, safety, and comfort by eliminating drafts by weather-stripping or repairing broken exterior doors, patching small holes in walls and roofs (and repairing damaged windows), and performing minor furnace maintenance and repair, insulation in attic, walls, floor and perimeter, and insulating water heater pipes or furnace ducts.

Each home has different problems that will be addressed by weatherization services. The average cost per unit is $6500.

In some cases resale value may increase depending on installed measures (i.e. windows, heating system, etc.). Taxes should not be affected.

Yes. These types of homes are constructed very differently. The energy auditor will determine what services your home needs. And different construction will have different priority fixes. For example, insulation of mobile home floors use a different product than attic insulation.

Weatherization services will seal up drafts to prevent the loss of heated or conditioned inside air to the outside and insulate your home, saving energy dollars, increasing your comfort, and making your home safer. Carbon Monoxide poisoning may be a big problem in some homes. The energy auditor will ensure that your appliances and heating system work efficiently and safely.

According to the Weatherization Assistance Program's Technical Assistance Center, "Combined savings for energy and non-energy benefits in 2008 show Weatherization returns at $2.72 for every $1 invested."

From the time of the audit, expect to hear back from the contractor or auditor within two weeks; depending on the services needed, allow 2 weeks before work begins. Allow 2-5 days for work to be completed, dependent on what needs to be done.

Make the attic and basement accessible, remove contents and clutter from those areas to allow workers access to the space. Your woodstove should be cold for the initial and follow up audit. Secure animals in a safe location. Some dust may be generated, the contractors will do their best to contain it.

Possibly, there are limits on repairs and various programs to address some additional problems. The auditor will determine the scope of the work and will inform you at that time. If you have additional questions, call your local Community Action Agency.

Major plumbing, electrical or structural deficiencies, major moisture problems - roof leaks and very wet basements all could slow down progress. The auditor will inform you if these problems will delay weatherization improvements. Problems with plumbing, electrical, the structure, or moisture may be worsened when the dynamics in your house change. In some cases, your project may be deferred or determined ineligible if any of these problems are significant enough and cannot be remedied to meet weatherization program standards.

You should be available for the initial audit. It is your choice if you want to be home during the work. An adult must be present if minors are home.

The eligibility equation is based on income and estimated fuel use. If your fuel use drops significantly, then the assistance may drop. However, you will not be denied fuel assistance solely because your home has been weatherized.

Weatherization services will not disqualify you from other social service programs through the Community Action Agencies.

_{If you received full weatherization services at your current address since September 1, 1994, you are not eligible for additional services. Work done since then should not need to be re-done. Any weatherization prior to that date may receive additional services. Call your local Community Action Agency for more details. If you received weatherization services from another agency, through a different program, or paid for it yourself, and your income falls within the guidelines, you may now be eligible for this weatherization program. If you recently received air-sealing services, you may qualify for full weatherization.}

Call the Community Action Agency to answer this specific question about your home. Chances are that the CAAs have already addressed the upgrades to the home, and that under guidelines set forth by the Department of Energy, this property is not eligible for additional upgrades at this time.

This is specific to the Community Action Agency in your area and will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

All Weatherization contractors agree to perform services to standards set by the Department of Energy, the Office of Strategic Initiatives and the Community Action Agencies and receive training from the state and/or the Community Action Agency or qualified third party instruction. If you have a concern, please contact the Community Action Agency.

In the unlikely situation that this happens, call your Community Action Agency immediately and explain the situation. Once your home has been reported as completed, weatherization cannot perform additional services or remedies.

Yes, qualifying for fuel assistance and weatherization does not mean that you must accept fuel assistance benefits.

No. However, you will miss a great opportunity to save energy and make your home more comfortable.

Perhaps, call your local Community Action Agency. They will train as needed.

See the guidelines for safe work practices and core competencies and minimum expectations for installers, crew chiefs, contractors and HVAC installer/contractors.