The Weatherization Assistance Programs provide grants to community action agencies, local governments, Indian tribes and non-profit agencies to fund energy saving repairs on low-income homes in all counties. There are two separate programs, providing similar services however. both programs are administered by the same agencies. The Weatherization Assistance Program is funded through the U.S. Department of Energy and the Weatherization Assistance Program / Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program receives funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Services' Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Grants are allocated based on a formula combining population and weather data and average $2,744 spent on each home. The type of measures include insulation, weather stripping, water heater wraps and reduction of air infiltration. Furnaces and air conditioning systems may be repaired. An energy audit and testing must be performed on each home. The house data is entered into a computer program and a print out is provided. The print out must be evaluated to determine the measures that will be provided.
Client households must be within the U.S. Department of Energy's income limits. Preference is given to owner occupied, elderly, disabled, and families with children 12 and under.
Weatherization agencies are selected from community action agencies, local governments, Indian Tribes, non-profit housing agencies and urban leagues. To ensure program continuity and high quality service, federal law requires that the designated weatherization agency serving each county continue from year to year unless de-funded or withdrawn.