Weatherization Assistance: Free Home Energy Upgrades

What WAP is

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federal program run by the U.S. Department of Energy that pays for energy efficiency improvements in low-income homes — at no cost to you.

The program has weatherized over 7 million homes since it started in 1976 and saves participating households an average of $283/year in energy costs.

Need help finding your state's program? Call NEAR (National Energy Assistance Referral) at 1-866-674-6327 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET).

What gets done

A trained energy auditor visits your home, runs a comprehensive energy audit (including a blower-door test and combustion safety check), and identifies the most cost-effective improvements. Common measures include:

• Insulation — attic, walls, floor, basement
• Air sealing — caulking, weatherstripping around doors and windows
• Duct sealing — fixing leaks in heating/cooling ductwork
• Heating system tune-ups or replacement
• Hot water heater repair or replacement
• Refrigerator replacement (older models can use 3x the electricity of new ones)
• Lighting upgrades to LED
• Smart thermostats

The average investment per home is around $3,500–$6,500. You pay nothing.

Who qualifies

You qualify if either:

• Your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$62,400 for a family of 3 in 2026)
• You receive SSI or TANF — automatic eligibility
• You receive LIHEAP in some states — automatic eligibility

Both renters and homeowners qualify. If you're a renter, your landlord must agree in writing — but the upgrades benefit them too.

Priority groups

These households are typically prioritized for faster service:

• Families with children
• Elderly residents (60+)
• People with disabilities
• High energy users (highest bills)

How to apply

1. Find your state's WAP office through the DOE state directory or call NEAR at 1-866-674-6327.
2. Apply through your local agency — usually a community action agency or non-profit. They'll handle income verification.
3. Wait for an audit appointment. Wait times vary; many states have backlogs.
4. Get the audit. A trained pro will spend a few hours assessing your home.
5. Receive the improvements. Work is typically done within 60–90 days of approval.

What to expect

• The audit and work are done by trained, vetted contractors managed by your state's WAP office.
• All work meets DOE technical standards.
• A final inspection happens after the work to verify quality.
• You don't have to be home for all of it — just the audit and final inspection.

A note from us

Weatherization is one of the highest-value programs for low-income homeowners and renters. The improvements stay with the home, the savings show up immediately, and there's no cost to you. Our fronters can tell you your state's WAP office and what documentation it typically requires. Call (833) 453-0508 and we'll point you there.