Case study: How to get help weatherizing your home

CASE STUDY:

NPR recently reported a case in which Kristann Hartley applied through an online Web site for help from the government to winterize her home. If she had not been suspicious, she could have lost $385 to a scam. Hartley was correct in that there is government help to winterize the homes of eligible people. Here is how to determine whether you are eligible and if so, how to get that government help. (Notice the government does not ask you for any money.)



How Do I Apply for Weatherization?
It is easy to find out if you are eligible and to apply for weatherization. Usually you can do it in a weatherization agency near your home.

Am I Eligible?
As many as 20 to 30 million U.S. families are eligible for weatherization services nationwide. Services are provided by the states, and each state has slightly different criteria. All energy services are handled by local weatherization agencies.
If you receive Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children, you are automatically eligible to receive weatherization services. In other cases, states give preference to:
People over 60 years of age
Families with one or more members with a disability
Families with children (in most states).
One of the primary factors affecting eligibility is income. Depending on what state you live in, you are eligible for weatherization if your income falls below the "125% or 150% poverty level" defined in the PDF below. Note, however, that some states use a third alternative to set eligibility if your income is less than 60% of the median income in your state; and minimum incomes for Hawaii and Alaska, respectively, are slightly higher. For details, see DOE guidelines (PDF 80 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
How does the process work?
1. Call local agency
o The states, not DOE, keep up-to-date lists of local weatherization agencies.
o All weatherization services are provided by local agencies.
o Most agencies are nonprofits that employ energy professionals.
o Some are branches of local governments.
2. Come in and apply
o Application form usually takes about 20 minutes
o You must have proof of income for the year prior to application. (For people on fixed incomes, this is usually easy to do).
o The agency also asks a small number of questions about your household, such as, the number of people living in the home.
3. Your eligibility is determined
o If you are eligible, your weatherization agency puts you on a waiting list.
o If you rent, you must get permission from your landlord.
o People most in need are often moved to the top of the waiting list.
4. Professional energy consultation
o Analysis of your energy bills
o Test the infiltration of outside air with a blower door
o Inspect equipment for health and safety
o List the most cost-effective energy conservation measures for your home.
5. Workers arrive
o Local weatherization agency schedules work.
o Average expenditure of $2500 per home
o All work is energy-related. Work does not include new roofing, siding, or similar.
o Work is typically completed in a day or two.
o You sign off on the final inspection.
Do you want to apply immediately?
Select your state from the map on the State Contacts page and get the phone number and address of your state weatherization office.
See http://www.eere.energy.gov/ for more information, including the answers to some frequently asked questions FAQs).