Created by the United States Department of Energy over 30 years ago, the Weatherization Assistance Program’s primary goal is to provide aid for people to make their homes energy efficient. With energy-efficient homes, people who have been aided by the Weatherization Program have their energy bills significantly reduced permanently.

The home weatherization assistance helps low income families save their funds for them to spend on other pressing issues such as food, clothing, and medication. Since the Weatherization Assistance Program does not offer financial assistance but instead significantly reduces energy bills, dependency on financial aid is greatly lessened. Thus, families have more to spend and this spending, in turn, helps in creating job opportunities and economic growth.

The Weatherization Assistance Program of the Department of Energy helps in lowering the bills of qualified families to as much as 32% on the average and lets them save as much as $358.

The types of services offered by the Weatherization Program include:

• Repairing or replacing of inefficient heating and cooling devices and systems;
• Addressing air infiltration with weather stripping, caulking, thresholds, slight repairs to walls, ceilings and floors, and window and door substitutes;
• Repairing or replacing water heaters;
• Solar screens installations;
• Solar reflective coating application to homes;
• Attic ventilation installation

Eligibility requirements may vary from state to state. Generally, applicants are considered eligible if the total household income is not more than 50% above the national poverty level. Special considerations are given to owner-occupied homes, low income families with children under 12, and elderly (60 years-plus) or physically disabled residents.