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The weatherization assistance program helps low-income families make their homes more efficient and reduce their energy bills. The US Department of Energy disperses funds to state governments, Native American Reservations, and US territories abroad. These state and territorial governments then disperse the money downward again through a network of community agencies, non profits, and municipal governments in order to ensure that families in need are able to maintain basic energy services regardless of insufficient personal funds.
This program does more than assist individual families in paying their bills. The conservation it promotes reduces are nation’s dependence on foreign oil. By making energy more affordable to families in need, it also improves the quality of life and overall safety of each and every household that participates in the program.
Over the past 33 years, the Weatherization Assistance Program has successfully helped more than six million households in the United States and associated territories. On average, a family receiving WAP assistance enjoys an approximate $437 per annum reduction of energy costs. This average fluctuates somewhat according to the variable price of fuel. The program specializes in making long term improvements to households so these savings accrue over time. Some short-term gains are seen as soon as the person begins receiving assistance, but real progress is seen the longer the program has to work on behalf of the homeowner.
To gain a clear picture of the Weatherization Assistance Program, we should get a firm grasp on what weatherization itself actually means. Simply stated, it refers to a process of making a home leak proof. In the summer, cold air remains trapped inside the home, putting less strain on the air conditioner. Similarly, in the winter, warm air is trapped inside the home so the heater does not have to run as high or as often. Outside air remains shut out of the house at all times, because weatherization is designed to seal the home off as an air-tight personal living space.
In order to qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, a homeowner must be a resident of the state in which he or she is applying for assistance. Each state has different income requirements that qualify an individual for assistance. Anyone who makes less than a certain amount of money can receive assistance. Also, the more occupants there are in the home, the higher the benchmark for low-income assistance becomes. Again, actual figures vary from state to state and must be researched through local governing authorities.
Once a household qualifies for the Weatherization Assistance Program, it receives a complete home energy assessment that identifies the specific problems it has. This includes a thorough inspection of the building and lighting. It also involves checking on the air conditioner and heater efficiency. Insulation is checked, and appliances are examined to make certain no carbon monoxide is leaking into the air. Finally, a diagnostic test is run to check the home for any leaks.
Trained technicians then repair whatever issues they uncover during the course of their investigation.
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