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. A team members can tell you your state's WAP office and what documentation it typically requires. Call (844) 572-3682 and we'll point you there.