Automate Your Home Climate
Going smart is one of the most efficient ways to weatherize your home. Smart thermostats or smart AC controllers for ductless heating systems give you complete control of your home climate and help amplify your energy savings.
These smart devices can keep your home comfortable at all times. Just add in your preferred temperature and humidity levels, and they will take care of the rest.
Biden Administration Announces Investments To Make Homes More Energy Efficient And Lower Costs For American Families
States and Territories Can Access $3.1 Billion from President Bidens Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Lower Utility Bills for Millions of Families with Energy Efficiency Home Upgrades Through DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. President Biden and the U.S. Department of Energy today announced DOE is accepting applications from states, Tribes, and territories for $3.16 billion in new funding through the Weatherization Assistance Program DOEs largest residential energy retrofit program. This expanded funding, which is enabled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allow states to retrofit thousands of low-incomes homes to make them healthier and more energy efficient while lowering utility bills. WAP retrofit funding is designed to address the whole home including installing insulation, updating heating and cooling systems, upgrading electrical appliances, and taking other common-sense actions that will make homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer with less energy usage.
For more information about this effort, visit the WAP website and sign-up for news announcements to keep up to date with the latest information and resources. See the WAP state-by-state funding table here.
What Else Do I Need To Know Before Starting A Home Repair
Tips for Hiring a Contractor
Finding a good contractor to do repairs and improvements to your home is important. Before hiring a contractor, get tips from the Federal Trade Commission on avoiding home improvement scams. Also, find out how you can report a problem, if you encounter any issues with work you’ve had done on your home.
Watch Out for Utility Lines Before You Dig – Call 811
Before digging on your property, . Utilities will come out to mark the area to help you avoid damaging or being injured by underground utility lines. The timing for processing your request differs from state to state. Some states allow for an online digging request.
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History Of The Weatherization Program
The Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy administers this federally funded program for weatherizing homes to save money and energy.
The Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy Weatherization Assistance Program began in 1977. In 2010, maximum household income levels were revised to 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, making free home weatherization available to thousands of Nebraskans.
Energy savings resulting from the energy efficiency improvements made typically last 20 years or longer.
Are There Other Places I Can Get Help If I Don’t Qualify For Liheap
If your income is too high to qualify for LIHEAP but you need help paying for your energy bills, your local social services agency or a nonprofit organization may have funds to help. You can also contact your gas, oil, or electric company about budget billing programs or new payment options especially for customers with disabilities who are on Supplemental Security Income .
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Types Of Weatherization Jobs:
A WEATHERIZATION TECHNICIAN installs residential envelope air sealing, HVAC duct sealing, insulation, windows and doors, mechanical ventilation, and roofing repairs in single family homes and small multi-family housing.
Examples of Required Courses: OSHA 10, Lead Safe Weatherization, Retrofit Installer Technician
A WEATHERIZATION CREW LEADER ensures the quality of installation and performance of prescribed energy efficiency upgrades. The Crew Leader oversees the weatherization technicians and participates in the installation of measures, acts as the on-site program and company representative to customers and troubleshoots technical problems and issues.
Examples of Required Courses: OSHA 30, Lead Safe Weatherization, Retrofit Installer Technician, HVAC Fundamentals Crew Leader
An ENERGY AUDITOR analyzes and evaluates the home’s performance based on appropriate building science techniques, including using advanced diagnostic equipment and modeling software to determine the energy conservation measures to be installed.
Examples of Required Courses: OSHA 10, Lead Safe Weatherization, Retrofit Installer Technician, HVAC Fundamentals, ASHRAE 62.2, Energy Auditor, HEAT modeling
Examples of Required Courses: OSHA 10, Lead Safe Weatherization, Quality Control Inspector Certification
Am I Eligible For Liheap
This chart from Benefits.gov shows the average LIHEAP eligibility requirements. Actual requirements may vary by state, city, or region. Each local LIHEAP office sets its own eligibility requirements.
- A person or family participating in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , Supplemental Security Income , Temporary Assistance for Needy Families , or certain needs-tested veterans benefits may be automatically eligible.
- Being qualified for LIHEAP does not guarantee that you will receive help. Whether or not you receive help depends on how much LIHEAP funding is available for the year.
- On average, about 20% of households that are qualified for LIHEAP receive benefits. When LIHEAP funds run out for the year, no more benefits can be given until Congress makes more funds available.
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What Help Is Available For My Home Energy Bill
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may be able to help with:
- Assistance to pay your heating or cooling bills
- Emergency services in cases of energy crisis, such as utility shutoffs
- Low-cost home improvements, known as weatherization, that make your home more energy efficient and lower your utility bills.
LIHEAP funds may not be used to pay water and sewer bills.
If Your Application Is Approved
Well provide FREE weatherization services, which could include comprehensive “whole house” energy assessment, state-of-the-art building diagnostics, and full-service” energy-efficient retrofits.
On average, the program:
- Makes about $10,000 worth of improvements per home,
- Adds about 1,500 square feet of insulation, and
- Reduces drafts by about 40%.
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Biden Announces New Funding To Make Homes More Energy Efficient
- The Biden administration on Wednesday announced new plans to spend $3.16 billion to retrofit hundreds of thousands of homes in low-income areas by making them more energy efficient.
- The investment comes from President Biden’s $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that was signed into law last year.
- It will bolster the federal government’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which is designed to upgrade homes by installing insulation, updating heating and cooling systems and switching to new electrical appliances.
The Biden administration on Wednesday announced new plans to spend $3.16 billion to retrofit hundreds of thousands of homes in low incomes areas, with the goal of making them more energy-efficient while also lowering utility bills for Americans.
The investment comes from President Biden’s $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that was signed into law last year. It will bolster the federal government’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which is designed to upgrade homes by installing insulation, updating heating and cooling systems and switching to new electrical appliances, among other things.
White House officials, during a press briefing on Wednesday, said the new funding will allow the program to retrofit about 450,000 homes, a major increase from the roughly 38,000 homes it currently serves each year.
Federal Government Rebate Programs
The first step is to find out if you qualify for federal government rebate programs or other similar programs. Even if your project is small, check with your town, your county, and your state for what requirements need to be filled before building. Your city or county may offer tax or product rebates that could offset the costs.
There are also loans and grants that can be obtained based on income, as well as for the elderly to make renovations necessary to maintain the home.
Some areas have extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, intense sunlight, or blizzards. Naturally, places with extreme weather want to ensure the safety of the people who live there. Therefore they offer low-interest loans and grants to help weatherize homes and protect occupants from the elements.
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Get Funding Based On Your Demographic Group
Recognizing the struggles of various types of people, the government offers assistance to certain demographic groups. Housing and Urban Development loans can help low income homeowners in cities improve the quality of their housing, and veterans can benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs. First-time home buyers often get their cut too!
Local and state governments also support their populations with demographic assistance based on the needs of the state. States with large cities might have more funds set aside to benefit cultural diversity and improve impoverished urban areas, while states with large rural communities will have rebates for rural initiatives.
How To Receive Free Help Weatherizing Your Home
If youre living a poorly insulated or energy-inefficient home, you just might be eligible for some government help.
The Weatherization Assistance Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, funds grants to state and local agencies to provide free energy assessments and weatherization services to low-income homeowners and tenants across the country.
To date, this program has weatherized over 5 million homes.
Local weatherization programs include:
- Wall and pipe insulation
- Weatherstripping and caulking
On average, weatherizing your house can reduce home energy bills by up to 20%. Not only can that make a huge difference in your budget, but it contributes to a greener planet!
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Types Of Home Equity Loans
There are two types of home equity loans:
- Lump sum – This is a one-time, closed-end loan that usually has a fixed interest rate.
- Revolving line of credit – You can withdraw the funds at any time for more flexibility. These usually have adjustable interest rates.
For more information, refer to What You Should Know About Home Equity Lines of Credit, a guide by the Federal Reserve Board.
Contact Your State Weatherization Administrator
What to Expect When Receiving Weatherization Services
Once your home is selected for weatherization services, your local weatherization provider will schedule a date and time to complete an energy audit, which is a computerized assessment of your home’s energy use carried out by a professional energy auditor and includes an analysis of your energy bills, a blower-door test to determine the infiltration of outside air into your house, and an inspection of all energy equipment for potentially health and safety issues.
Once the energy audit analysis is complete, the energy auditor will provide you with a recommended scope of work of the most cost-effective energy conservation measures for your home. All work is energy related, and does not include new roofing, siding, or similar structural improvements.
Once the scope of work is finalized, the energy auditor crew leader from the local weatherization provider will meet with you and your family to explain how the work crews and/or contractors will conduct the work. For 2020, the adjusted average cost per unit is $7,669 per home. Weatherization crews or contractors typically complete their work in a day or two, then the local providers inspector will review the work to ensure everything was completed, meets the Standard Work Specifications, and all equipment is operating safely. Throughout the weatherization process, the health and safety of your family is a priority.
Find Help with Energy Bills
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About The Weatherization Assistance Program
October 30th is National Weatherization Day, an opportunity to highlight the impact of the Weatherization Assistance Program.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring health and safety. It is the nations single largest residential whole-house energy efficiency program. WAP has created an industry, producing new jobs and technologies, all while helping the most vulnerable families across the country.
Get Paid To Renovate 5 Types Of Government Remodeling Home Grants
Are you planning a home renovation? Maybe you need to weatherize or replace an appliance. This can get expensive and even cost-prohibitive. Is there anyone who can help?
Renovations and remodeling can add to the value of a home, which in turn adds to our economy. To keep the economy stimulated, various government agencies have money on reserve to assist with projects like these. This money can come as rebates or government remodeling home grants.
Before you do work on your home, you should first do your homework on what assistance you can get from the government! At both the local and national levels, there are rebates, grants, and low-interest loans available to help you with your remodeling project!
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Bidding On Weatherization Work
If you are interested in providing weatherization services for low-income households, contact the weatherization subrecipient agency that serves your county with the federally-funded weatherization programs. .
Each Subrecipient procures contractors to perform the weatherization services for eligible households. The list provides the name of the weatherization coordinator for each subrecipient. You are encouraged to contact as many weatherization programs as you wish and bid for any counties you want to serve.
The procurement process adheres to Office of Management and Budget regulations and provides for free and open competition in the procurement of weatherization services. If you have questions about the procurement process, timelines, or results, please contact your local subrecipient agency directly.
How Are These Programs Funded
Commerce receives funding from Washington State and the following federal government programs to help pay for low-income weatherization work:
Commerce can yearly request a waiver to transfer up to 25% of available LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program funds to the Weatherization Assistance Program. Approval of this waiver request in 2019 could increase available weatherization funding by $5,789,570 and increase the transfer of unspent LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program funds from 15% to 25%.
We have HHS approval for up to the full 25% transfer this year again. This brings all potential LIHEAP dollars to Washington State, providing an opportunity for agencies to enhance their programs and existing funding. The local LIHEAP Energy Assistance programs decide on the exact amount of the approved transfer for their area based on their funding needs.
Matchmaker ProgramIn Washington state, utility companies that sell gas and electric heat also provide matching funds for qualified low-income households. Their funds match the Washington state dollars through the Matchmaker Program.
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What Financial Help Is Available For Home Repairs
Home improvement loan programs help with home repairs and modifications. They are the most common type of government financial assistance for home improvements. Some programs are available nationwide, while others are only available at the state or county level.
Find Loans and Other Incentives
- Learn about the HUD Title 1 Property Improvement Loan program. Loan amount and repayment terms are limited based on the type of property.
- Find out about the 203 Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program. It lets homebuyers and homeowners borrow an extra $35,000 through their mortgage for home repairs and improvements.
- For programs in your community, contact:
Number Of Homes Weatherized
The number of homes that can be weatherized in any given year is dependent on the amount of funding allocated by Congress to the Weatherization Assistance Program.
In Nebraska, funds are divided among the local nonprofit organizations that provide weatherization services to Nebraskans. The amount given to each organization is based on several factors including the number of low-income Nebraskans living in the counties served by the local nonprofit organization.
The map below illustrates the total number of homes weatherized by local weatherization service providers.
Nebraska Homes WeatherizedJuly 2019 June 2020
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Can I Get My Home Weatherized
Commerce doesnt weatherize houses directly. We contract with local agencies in your city or county that weatherize qualified low-income homes and apartments.
Find your location on the map below and click on the closest blue locator to get information on your local weatherization provider.
To see if you qualify for weatherization assistance, call a local agency near you on the Weatherization Agency List.
How Does The Wap Application Process Work
The following steps outline how to apply for WAP services.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for Weatherization Services
One of the primary factors affecting eligibility is income. Under DOE guidelines, households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines are considered eligible for weatherization services or if they receive Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. In addition, each state or territory may elect to use the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program criteria of 60% of state-median income.
WAP Grantees also give priority to the elderly, families with one or more members with a disability, families with children, or high-energy users. Please use the map below to visit your specific state, territory, or tribe and review the identified eligibility guidelines.
Step 2: Identify Your Local Weatherization Provider
The state, tribal, or territorial website will provide a list of the local organizations or providers that offer weatherization services under its “How to Apply” section. Some states offer an online application direct from their website, but most guide you to contact the local providers. This list is usually organized by county and provides an address, phone number, and/or website.
Step 3: Complete the Weatherization Application Process
Step 4: Prepare for Weatherization Services
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How To Weatherize Your Home
wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 30,091 times.
Weatherizing your home involves finding air leaks and sealing them to keep heat inside during colder months. Weatherizing typically goes hand in hand with insulation. Even if you have no air leakage, insulating your home properly prevents heat from escaping. The U.S. Department of Energy calculates a reduction of approximately 32 percent on heating bills in houses that have been weatherized, which can lead to more than $400 in yearly savings. Weatherizing your home can keep you warmer and save energy. Use these home weatherization tips to prepare your home for winter.