Weatherization Assistance Program

WHAT IS THE WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?

The Weatherization Assistance Program assists income-eligible families and individuals by reducing their heating/cooling costs and improving the safety of their homes by providing energy efficiency measures. During the last 32 years, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program has provided weatherization services to more than 6.2 million low-income families. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 32% and overall energy bills by about $350 per year at current prices. This spending, in turn, spurs low-income communities toward job growth and economic development.

Energy efficiency measures performed through the program include air sealing (weather-stripping, caulking), wall and ceiling insulation, heating system improvements or replacement, efficiency improvements in lighting, hot water tank and pipe insulation, and refrigerator replacements with Energy Star rated units. Both single-family and multi-family buildings are eligible for assistance. Household energy use reductions and resultant energy cost savings are significant, with an average savings in excess of 20%.

WHAT FUNDING IS AVAILABLE?

Idaho Weatherization Assistance Program receives funding from the U.S. Departments of Energy, and Health and Human Services. In 2007-08 approximately $11,907,104 was allocated to 6 agencies that provide weatherization services. The average cost per unit was $2,966 per unit. This funding is used by agencies to supplement the federal funding allocations and allows the program to serve a larger portion of the eligible population.

HOW CAN THIS PROGRAM HELP MY FAMILY?

Weatherization Assistance can include one or more of the following measures for homeowners and renters. Services provided may vary by county.

  • Health & Safety - Air quality testing, heating system diagnostic testing, and general site inspections are performed to identify energy related safety issues which might exist.
  • Heating Efficiency Measures - designed to improve the operation of the heating system and may include a cleaning and tuning for the furnace, furnace repair, or furnace replacement. The heating system ducts, the delivery system for heat throughout the dwelling, is sealed.
  • Infiltration Measures - designed to reduce the air leakage from the home. The purpose is to keep warm air in and cold air out.
  • Conduction Measures – designed to reduce heat loss and gain from the interior/exterior of the unit by installing insulation. Insulation may be installed in the ceiling, walls, heat ducts, floor, and/or water pipes. Other measures installed if energy savings are determined, include but are not limited to, the repair or replacement of windows and doors.
  • Repair - that may be needed to help preserve or protect the material that has been installed and maintain the structural integrity of the home.

WHERE IS THE WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AVAILABLE?

All parts of the State are eligible. Every county, village, town and neighborhood is served by a local weatherization provider. Weatherization providers can be community-based not-for-profit organizations, community action agencies, counties, or units of local government. To be eligible, a provider must demonstrate the capacity to administer the program, and have a history of providing service to the community.

WHO CAN QUALIFY FOR WEATHERIZATION SERVICES?

Program services are available to both homeowners and renters, with priority given to individuals over 60 years of age, families with children under 6 years of age, and persons with disabilities.

The Income Criteria for Idaho is set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level – and is shown in the table below.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?

To apply for services or to determine eligibility for Weatherization, contact the Weatherization agency providing this service in your area. To locate your Local agency, click this link: Weatherization Agencies

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WHEN I APPLY FOR THIS PROGRAM?

Please inquire of documents that will be requested at the time of your appointment with your local Weatherization agency. Examples of documents that applicants must provide include the following:

  • Names/birthdates for all household members
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Heating Energy Vendor Name/Account number (utility bill)
  • Verification of residence address (utility bill)
  • Income verification for the previous 3 months (check stubs, SS/SSI award letters, etc)

Additional Information: