Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) assists families and individuals by reducing their heating/cooling costs and improving the safety of their homes through energy efficiency measures. Owners of buildings occupied by low-income households are also encouraged to apply for assistance for their buildings.

Energy efficiency measures performed through the program include air sealing (weather stripping, caulking), attic and wall insulation, heating system improvements or replacement, efficiency improvements in lighting, hot water tank and pipe insulation, and refrigerator replacements with highly efficient Energy Star rated units. Both single-family and multi-family buildings are assisted. Household energy use reductions and resultant energy cost savings are significant, with an average savings in excess of 20%. In New York State, the Weatherization program is administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

Eligibility:

Program services are available to both income-eligible homeowners and renters, with priority given to senior citizens, families with children and persons with disabilities.

Households with incomes at or below 60% of state median income are eligible for assistance. See the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Income Guidelines for income eligibility.

If a household contains a member who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Public Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits, the household is considered automatically eligible for weatherization services.

Benefits:

Services include, but are not limited to:

• An analysis of the building’s energy use (energy audit), to identify opportunities for installing efficiency measures;
• Air sealing of cracks and holes to reduce heat loss;
• Insulation of attics and walls;
• Heating system repairs or replacement;
• Providing efficient lighting and refrigeration;
• Installing energy-related health and safety materials, such as smoke detectors;
• Window and/or outside door repair or replacement; and;
• Minor repairs which are needed to ensure maximum efficiency of the weatherization services performed.

HCR requires providers to purchase and use materials that meet state and federal government standards. HCR offers providers training in quality control and material use.

All services are provided without charge or obligation to the occupant of the home. However, owners of rental buildings are required to invest funds toward the cost of the Weatherization services.

How to Apply:

1. Applicants should contact the local provider to apply for assistance. A list of providers can be accessed at the link below.
2. An application is submitted to the local service provider;
3. When funding becomes available to assist the applicant household, the local provide will contact the applicant to confirm eligibility;
4. An energy audit of the home is conducted and the household is interviewed to identify any health or safety issues;
5. The weatherization work is installed; and
6. The building is inspected to assure quality of work completed.

Program services are delivered through HCR’s statewide network of local service providers., Some local providers use their own certified crews, and others hire subcontractors to perform the work. All workers, whether employed directly by the local provider or by a subcontractor, are trained and certified in advanced energy efficiency and health and safety techniques.

To apply, contact your local service provider.