Frequently Asked Questions

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety.

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is the state agency (Grantee) that receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (Grantor) to administer the Weatherization Assistance Program. DCED allocates this funding to local weatherization agencies (Subgrantees) which provide the application and coordinate the services for qualifying applicants.

Pennsylvania residents with an income 200% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are eligible to receive services through the Weatherization Assistance Program. Households automatically qualify if any member receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF), LIHEAP or are found eligible for specific means- tested Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

For more information on eligibility, please visit our WAP income eligibility page or contact your local WAP provider.

Priority is given to higher-risk residents including the elderly, disabled individuals, families with children, and high energy users and users with high energy burden.

Typical weatherization services may include the following as determined by a home energy audit or following a DOE-approved priority list. Improvements may include:

Mechanical Measures

• Clean, tune, or replace heating and cooling systems
• Install duct and pipe insulation
• Repair duct leaks and improve airflow
• Add programmable thermostats
• Upgrade or insulate water heaters

Building Shell Measures

• Add insulation to walls, attics, and floors
• Perform air sealing to prevent drafts
• Repair or replace windows and doors
• Address minor roof or wall leaks before insulation

Electric & Water Efficiency

• Install energy-efficient lighting
• Replace inefficient refrigerators
• Add low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators

Health & Safety Improvements

• Test and repair heating system safety features
• Install carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors
• Improve ventilation for better indoor air quality

Client Education

Participants also receive energy education, including tips on:

• Reducing household energy use
• Preventing mold, fire, and air quality hazards
• Operating new energy-efficient equipment

While windows and doors may be included in the overall evaluation of the home, this is not a program to specifically replace windows or doors. Replacement of windows and doors must meet stringent requirements.

Air conditioning can be looked at as part of the energy modeling of a home, but it is not treated as an emergency or definite replacement. There is currently no program that exclusively provides window air conditioner units or through the wall air conditioner units due to weather conditions.

Significant moisture, mold, and asbestos are examples of problems that could delay or prohibit a home from receiving WAP services. Additionally, the inability to easily access all areas of the home can cause issues for weatherization workers and subcontractors.

WAP clients may be eligible for services through the WAP Readiness Program. Clients do not have the ability to apply directly to the WAP Readiness Program, as eligibility is determined after a home energy audit for WAP. Services performed under the WAP Readiness Program include, but are not limited to: mold remediation, moisture control, knob & tube wiring issues, grading, roof repair, roof replacement, gutters, downspouts, runoffs/drainage system, sump pump installation, pest control, air exchange issues, radon testing & mitigation, and asbestos testing & mitigation.

Please visit the PA Navigate website to find other programs in your area.

The time it takes to receive services is dependent on a number of factors and varies from agency to agency. Please contact your local WAP provider for their estimated wait time.

Weatherization services are free for qualified applicants.

Eligible homes can only be weatherized once every 15 years based on the prior completion date.

Weatherization services and application for the program are provided directly through local weatherization agencies. Please contact your local WAP provider that services the county in which the home is located to request an application.

After a review of your application, if you meet the income and household eligibility criteria, the provider will notify you and schedule an evaluation to be performed on the home to determine what measures may be taken to weatherize the home and make it more energy efficient.

Please contact local WAP providers in the regions you would like to serve and learn more on our Weatherization Training & Technical Assistance page.