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Short answer: The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a free, federally funded program that improves the energy efficiency of low-income homes. Households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or that get SSI, are eligible under DOE rules, and states may use LIHEAP's limit of 60% of state median income instead. Homeowners and renters can apply through their local weatherization agency. DOE says households save $372 a year or more on average.
See what applies at your address. Enter your ZIP and the finder shows your state's rebate status and your local utility rebate lookups.
Find rebates by ZIP codeWAP at a glance
| Cost to you | Free if you qualify |
|---|---|
| Who runs it | U.S. Department of Energy funds it. States and local agencies (often community action agencies) deliver it. |
| Income rule | At or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or receiving SSI. States may use LIHEAP's 60% of state median income. |
| Priority | Older adults, people with disabilities, families with children, high energy users and households with a high energy burden |
| Renters | Eligible, with the landlord's permission |
| Scale | About 32,000 homes a year with DOE funds; more than 7.2 million families since 1976 |
| Average savings | $372 or more a year, per a national evaluation |
Source: DOE Weatherization Assistance Program and DOE: How to apply, checked Oct 13, 2026.
What weatherization pays for
It starts with a professional energy audit: a review of your bills, a blower-door test to find air leaks, and an inspection of your heating and cooling equipment, attic and basement. The auditor then picks the most cost-effective measures for your house. Common ones include:
- Air sealing around doors, windows, attic hatches and pipes.
- Attic, wall and floor insulation.
- Heating system repair, tune-up or, when needed, replacement.
- Duct sealing.
- Health and safety fixes tied to the work, such as carbon monoxide or ventilation problems.
An inspector checks the finished work against DOE's Standard Work Specifications. Exactly what gets done, and whether things like windows, a new furnace or an air conditioner are covered, depends on your audit and your state's rules. Don't count on a specific item until the auditor says so.
How to apply, step by step
- Check your income. Compare your household income with 200% of the HHS poverty guidelines, or your state's LIHEAP limit.
- Find your local provider. Start at DOE's how-to-apply page, which links to each state's weatherization office. Most states list providers by county.
- Apply. Some states take applications online, but most send you to the local agency. Have last year's income proof ready: pay stubs, Social Security or SSI letters.
- Expect a waitlist. DOE says eligible households are placed on a waitlist, and priority groups move up first.
- Audit, work, inspection. The crew follows the audit, then an inspector signs off.
If you also need help with bills
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and cooling bills, and in many states the same agency handles both. Applying for LIHEAP can be the fastest way into weatherization. See the HHS LIHEAP page.
If you don't qualify, or the wait is long
Look at programs that don't have WAP's income limit or waitlist:
- Utility insulation and air sealing rebates. See attic insulation rebates.
- State HEAR rebates, which cover insulation, air sealing and ventilation up to $1,600 for households under 150% of area median income. Check our state-by-state HOMES and HEAR guide.
- Low-cost utility programs, from free home energy assessments to smart thermostat rebates. Our guide to finding utility rebates shows where to look.
Enter your ZIP in the home energy rebate finder to see your state's rebate status and links to the WAP program and utility rebates in one place.
Frequently asked questions
What does weatherization pay for?
Measures picked by an energy audit, usually air sealing, insulation, duct sealing, heating system repair or replacement, and related health and safety fixes. The exact list depends on your home and your state's rules.
Who qualifies for the Weatherization Assistance Program?
Households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or that receive SSI, under DOE rules. States can use LIHEAP's 60% of state median income instead. Both homeowners and renters can apply.
Is weatherization free?
Yes, for eligible households. The work is paid for by DOE and other funds your state may add. You don't repay it.
Can renters get weatherization?
Yes. The local provider will work with you and your landlord and needs the landlord's permission before work starts.
How do I get a free AC from the government?
WAP and LIHEAP can sometimes repair or replace cooling equipment, mainly for health and safety or high energy burden, but it isn't guaranteed. Ask your local weatherization or LIHEAP agency what your state covers.
Sources
Amounts and statuses were checked Oct 13, 2026. Programs change often, so confirm with the program before you sign a contract. Where we couldn't verify a figure, we say so instead of guessing.
