The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Trouble Affording Your Energy Bills?
New Opportunities is dedicated to helping families and vulnerable community members improve their homes while lowering energy costs. Weatherization, often called weatherproofing or winterization, is an important process that protects homes from harsh weather conditions. By improving your home’s energy efficiency, we can help you save money on utility bills—all at no cost.
The Importance of the Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a government program that helps low-income families save money on energy bills. By making homes more energy-efficient, WAP helps families, especially those with grandparents, people with disabilities, or young kids, stay comfortable and save money on their energy bills.
To apply for LIHEAP or the Weatherization Program, visit your local Family Development Center or contact the following staff for more information:
- Keith Weber, Energy Director - kweber@newopp.org
- Megan Rassel, Weatherization Assistant - mrassel@newopp.org
What is Weatherization?
Weatherization is the process of making your home more energy efficient. Imagine your house is a leaky bucket. Cold air pours in, and warm air escapes. This makes your home uncomfortable and drives up your energy bills.
Weatherization is like a patch for your leaky bucket. It helps low-income families make their homes more energy-efficient, so they can stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This means lower energy bills and a more comfortable home for everyone, especially for families with older adults, people with disabilities, and children.
Weatherization services may include:
- Attic Insulation and Sidewall Insulation: Proper insulation prevents heat loss in winter and keeps your home cool in summer.
- Air Sealing: This service fills gaps and cracks that allow drafts, helping maintain an ideal indoor temperature.
- Furnace Replacement and Water Heater Replacement: Outdated appliances consume more energy, so we replace them with energy-efficient models.
- Minor Repairs: Simple fixes like door repairs can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.
- Health and Safety Measures: We prioritize your family’s well-being by addressing potential hazards in your home.
Purpose and Benefits
The benefits of weatherization go beyond just saving on energy costs. Our program also enhances the health and safety of your home. We utilize the latest technologies and testing methods to ensure the work meets the highest standards. Here are some key advantages:
- Improved Health and Safety: Our services help identify and solve potential health hazards in your home.
- Affordable Housing: We help maintain affordable housing for low-income families by reducing energy costs.
- Environmental Impact: Weatherization contributes to reducing energy consumption, which helps decrease environmental pollution.
- Economic Benefits: The program adds value to the local economy, creating jobs and supporting community development.
How Does the Program Work?
Participating in the Weatherization Assistance Program is straightforward. First, a thorough energy audit of your home is conducted to assess its current efficiency. This assessment identifies which weatherization measures will provide the most benefits.
Once the evaluation is complete, trained workers will implement the recommended improvements. The focus is on installing permanent, cost-effective solutions that enhance energy efficiency while addressing health and safety concerns. This includes using advanced techniques like blower door-guided infiltration reduction to ensure your home is properly sealed and insulated.
Am I Eligible for Weatherization?
If you meet at least one of the following requirements, you qualify for weatherization.
- Qualified for LIHEAP (Heat Assistance)
- Receive SSI (regardless of income)
- Percent of poverty is below 200%
Weatherization Eligibility Chart
200% of Poverty (April 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024)
|
Size of Household |
Annual Gross Income |
|
1 |
$30,120 |
|
2 |
$40,880 |
|
3 |
$51,640 |
|
4 |
$62,400 |
|
5 |
$73,160 |
|
6 |
$83,920 |
|
7 |
$94,680 |
|
8 |
$105,440 |
***For households with more than eight members, add $10,760 annually for each additional member.
What Happens After I'm Determined Eligible for Weatherization Assistance?
If you were approved for LIHEAP last year, you may be eligible for Weatherization services. The state of Iowa compiles a list of LIHEAP applicants from the previous year to prioritize individuals within each county. This list is then shared with local agencies. While you may qualify for weatherization, your position on the priority list could mean you will need to wait until others ahead of you are served. Therefore, although you may qualify for weatherization, you may not receive it because of your position on the county priority list.
In 2023...
- 39 homes weatherized
- 24 furnaces installed
- 20 water heaters installed
- 55 smoke alarms installed
- 97 carbon monoxide alarms installed
- 6 LP (liquified petroleum) alarms installed
To apply for LIHEAP or Weatherization, to locate your local outreach office read this pdf or visit your local Family Development Center
For more information, read our weatherization brochure
You may contact the following staff for more information
Keith Weber, Energy Director - kweber@newopp.org
Megan Rassel, Weatherization Assistant - mrassel@newopp.org
