The Weatherization information Program pays for insulation, air sealing, and heating repairs — not new windows or appliances

The Weatherization information Program (WAP) covers work that reduces how much energy your home uses to stay warm or cool. That means insulation in your attic, sealing air leaks around doors and windows, fixing or replacing furnaces and heat pumps, and weatherstripping. It does not cover new windows, new doors, roofing, siding, or appliances like water heaters or air conditioners — even though those affect energy use. The program focuses on the cheapest, highest-impact improvements that lower your heating and cooling bills.

WAP is federally funded but run by your state's energy office, which contracts with local agencies to do the actual work. The program is free to households that meet income limits, which vary by state but generally cap out around 200% of the federal poverty line. You do not pay anything upfront or after the work is done.

Key Takeaways

  • WAP covers insulation, air sealing, furnace repair or replacement, and weatherstripping — the improvements that cut heating and cooling costs the most.
  • The program does not cover new windows, doors, roofing, siding, water heaters, or air conditioners, even if they would save energy.
  • Income limits vary by state but typically allow households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty line to participate.
  • Work is done by local agencies under contract with your state, and you pay nothing for the service or materials.
  • The process from intake to completed work usually takes several months because demand is high and funding is limited.

Insulation and air sealing — the core of what WAP covers

Most of the money WAP spends goes to insulation and sealing air leaks, because these have the biggest effect on your heating and cooling bills. Crews will typically add insulation to your attic if it is thin, seal gaps around pipes and wires that go through your walls, caulk or weatherstrip around doors and windows, and seal larger holes in your foundation or rim joist. They may also add insulation to basement walls or crawl spaces if those are uninsulated.

The program does not replace windows or doors themselves. If your windows are drafty, WAP will weatherstrip them and seal the frame, but will not install new ones. The same applies to doors — the program seals and weatherstrips existing doors but does not replace them.

Heating system repairs and replacement

If your furnace or heat pump is old, broken, or inefficient, WAP may repair it or replace it entirely. The program will send a technician to inspect your heating system, test it for safety and efficiency, and recommend whether repair or replacement makes sense. If replacement is needed, WAP covers the cost of a new unit and installation.

The program does not cover air conditioning systems, even though cooling is part of energy use. Some states have separate cooling information programs, but WAP itself focuses on heating. Water heaters are also outside WAP's scope, even though they use significant energy.

What WAP does not cover

WAP has a clear boundary: it covers improvements that reduce heating and cooling energy use. That excludes new windows and doors (the frames themselves), roofing, siding, gutters, and any structural repairs. It also excludes appliances like refrigerators, stoves, water heaters, and air conditioners, even though these use energy. If your roof leaks or your siding is damaged, WAP will not fix it, even if fixing it would prevent heat loss.

The program also does not cover cosmetic improvements or upgrades that do not directly reduce heating or cooling load. Painting, flooring, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom updates are outside the scope. If your home needs foundation work, electrical upgrades, or plumbing repairs unrelated to heating efficiency, WAP will not pay for those either.

How the inspection determines what work you get

Before any work starts, a WAP inspector visits your home and does a detailed energy audit. They measure insulation levels, check for air leaks using blower door tests, inspect your heating system, and look at your home's overall condition. Based on that audit, they create a work plan that prioritizes the improvements that will save you the most energy for the money spent.

This means two homes in the same neighborhood might receive different work. One might need attic insulation and furnace repair; another might need basement sealing and weatherstripping. The inspector's job is to find the highest-impact work within WAP's scope and your home's specific needs. If your home has issues outside WAP's coverage — like a leaking roof or broken plumbing — the inspector will note that but cannot include it in the work plan.

Income limits and how they vary by state

WAP is available to households with income at or below a threshold set by your state. Most states use 200% of the federal poverty line, but some use 150% or 175%. For a single person, 200% of the poverty line is roughly $28,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the year. For a family of four, it is roughly $57,000 to $62,000. These numbers change annually.

Your state's energy office sets the exact limit and the local agency handling your process will tell you whether your household income qualifies. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to prove income. If you are retired, unemployed, or receive benefits, those count as income too.

Timeline and how to start the process

The time from your first contact to completed work usually ranges from three to six months, sometimes longer. Demand for WAP is high in most states, and funding is limited, so there is often a waiting list. Once you contact your local agency, they will take your information, verify your income, and schedule an inspection. After the inspection and work plan are approved, crews schedule the actual work — this is where the wait often happens.

To find your local WAP agency, contact your state's energy office or search the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization information Program locator. You can also call 211 (a free referral line) and ask for weatherization programs in your area. Have your household income and a list of any heating or cooling problems ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does WAP cover new windows?

No. WAP will weatherstrip and seal existing windows to reduce drafts, but does not replace windows themselves. If your windows are single-pane or broken, the program addresses air leaks around them but not the windows as a product.

Will WAP replace my air conditioner?

No. WAP focuses on heating systems. Some states run separate cooling information programs, but the federal Weatherization information Program does not cover air conditioning units or replacement.

What if my home has problems outside WAP's scope, like a leaking roof?

The inspector will note those issues but cannot include them in the work plan. WAP covers only improvements that reduce heating and cooling energy use. You would need to address structural or other repairs separately or through other programs.

How long does it take from explore to having work completed?

Most states take three to six months from initial contact to finished work, though some areas have longer waits. High demand and limited funding create waiting lists in many places. The local agency can tell you the current timeline in your area.

Do I have to pay anything if I am accepted into WAP?

No. WAP is fully funded for households that meet income limits. You pay nothing for the inspection, materials, labor, or any follow-up work. There are no hidden costs or future bills.