The Weatherization Assistance Program: Free Home Energy Upgrades Explained
Quick Answers
What does WAP typically cover?
Common upgrades include attic and wall insulation, air sealing, and furnace or heating system repair or replacement, depending on the home's specific needs assessment.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility is generally income-based and administered at the state or local level; check your state's WAP office for exact thresholds.
Is this the same as LIHEAP?
No — LIHEAP helps pay energy bills directly, while WAP funds physical efficiency upgrades to the home itself, though both are federally backed low-income energy programs.
What the program actually does
A trained assessor evaluates a qualifying home for its biggest sources of energy loss, then WAP funds the corresponding fix — commonly insulation, air sealing, or heating system repair.
Why this matters for older homes specifically
Homes built before 1980 are disproportionately represented among high-energy-burden households, and are also the homes WAP upgrades tend to help the most.
How to check eligibility
Your state's WAP office (findable through DOE's national program page) handles applications directly; there's no cost to apply.
Want to see where you personally stand? Check your own CCM Energy Score, free and takes under a minute.