Weatherization Program (WAP)

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (WAP)

About

Eligibility

Tips for Energy Savings

FAQ

ABOUT

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federal grant program established to help reduce the heating and cooling costs for low income persons, particularly the elderly, disabled, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. The WAP has developed from a program that stressed low cost, temporary measures installed by volunteers, to a program that uses trained crews and contractors to install permanent cost effective measures that address both the building shell and the heating and cooling systems in the dwelling.

The installation of energy efficiency measures for each dwelling is based on a computerized energy audit which determines the cost effectiveness of each measure. Energy efficiency measures include high density wall and attic insulation and blower door - guided infiltration reduction. Because the weatherization procedures result in "tightening" homes, indoor air quality and other client health and safety issues are also addressed. Health and safety measures include safety checks of all combustion appliances.

Besides the obvious benefit of conserving energy, the Iowa WAP also provides other benefits to Iowa and its residents. The program results in millions of dollars of additional value added to the Iowa economy. The program also mitigates certain health and safety problems in the client's homes, maintains affordable housing for low-income persons, reduces utility averages, and reduces environmental pollution.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to assist low-income families meet the cost of home heating. Applications are accepted by appointment only at the Community Action Agency of Siouxland from November 2, 2009 through April 30, 2010 (October 1 for households with elderly/disabled member), Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:00.

A household may qualify for assistance in this program if the household's income falls within the income range listed below. This program is not designed to pay a household's total energy costs, but to provide assistance in the payment of residential heating costs for eligible households.

At the time you apply, providing you have brought all necessary documentation with you (proof of income for the last 13 weeks and a copy of your heating and electric bills), you will be told whether you are eligible and if so, for what amount you might qualify. This initial determination is subject to review and totally dependent on the availability of federal funds. In most cases, benefits will be in the form of a credit applied to your heating bill by your utility company. Households who reside in subsidized housing that are individually metered and responsible for paying their primary heating costs are eligible. Subsidized households that are master metered are usually not eligible to receive assistance benefits.

Residents of any licensed medical facility (hospital, skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility) publicly operated community residence or emergency shelter is ineligible unless they are paying a vendor directly for their primary heating source.

ELIGIBILITY

Income Maximums

LiHEAP Eligibility
 

Weatherization Eligibility

* Medical Waiver: Households who are over LIHEAP regular income guidelines may be eligible for LIHEAP benefits through our medical waiver component. The medical expenses must be documented, paid, and non-reimbursable.

Attach documents that offer proof of total household gross income from all sources. We must have complete proof of income to process your application.

Fixed Income:

This income may include:

• Social Security Benefits
• Supplemental Security Income
• Aid to Families with Dependent Children or Family Program
• Veterans' Assistance
• Unemployment Insurance
• Pensions

Wage Earners:

Attach copies of your check stubs for the three months preceding the date of application preceding the date of application, or a copy of your federal income tax return. Please send a copy of your most recent check.

TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY

Start saving money now with these easy tips:

• Lower the thermostat 2 degrees or more in the winter.
• Change your furnace filter monthly during the heating season. If you have central air conditioning, change the filter in the summer, too.
• Keep obstructions away from the hot and cold air registers.
• Lower the water heater temperature.
• Replace light bulbs with high efficient fluorescent light bulbs.
• Unplug secondary refrigerators and/or freezers not fully used.
• Wash and dry full loads of laundry. Hang clothes out to dry when possible.
• Clean dryer lint filter after each load.
• Turn lights off when leaving a room.

For more money-saving tips, view:

• Iowa Energy Savings Guide: Saving Energy Saves You Money
• Iowa Energy Center Home Series-A Little Effort Can Pay Big Dividends.

Or visit the following sites:

• FCIC: Alliance to Save Energy's Power$mart
• Home Energy Guide

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens after I contact the agency?

1. The agency will schedule an appointment with you to take your application. They will tell you what information you should bring with you. Note: Your application for Weatherization is also an application for the LIHEAP (energy assistance) Program.

2. Upon taking your application, the agency will then determine if your household is income-eligible.
    
3. If you are determined to be income-eligible, your name will be placed on the Weatherization waiting list.
    
4. When you are contacted by the agency, a trained agency staff person will look at your home to see what can be done to make it more energy efficient.
   
   Weatherization services differ with each home depending on how it was built and its condition.
   
   Some common weatherization services include:
   • Adding insulation to the attic, walls and/or floors. If insulation is added, holes may be drilled in the siding and vents may be added to the roof. These measures will reduce the amount of heat being lost through the walls, ceiling and floors.
   • The combustion appliances (heating systems, water heaters, stoves) will be safety-checked to ensure that they are not putting off too much carbon monoxide. If they are, depending upon your circumstance, the program may replace your appliance. This will ensure that health and safety problems are not created by tightening up your house.
   • Your heating system may be cleaned and tuned, repaired, retrofitted, and in some cases, replaced.
   • Energy efficient lighting will be installed.
      
5. Once your home has been weatherized, an agency inspector will visit your home and verify that the work was done completely and professionally. In addition, the inspector will answer any questions that you may have as well as instruct you on energy-saving measures you can take to make your home even more energy-efficient.

What doesn't the program cover?

• Rarely do we replace windows and doors
• We will not paint your house
• General fix-up work on your home
• Yard work
• House cleaning
• Roof replacements

What does this service cost me?

This assistance is provided at no cost to you. The weatherization work is paid for with federal and utility funds. This work and your own efforts will help to lower your heating, cooling and electrical costs.

Who does the weatherization work?

The work on your home will be done by qualified contractors or agency crew members. The weatherization contractor or crew members will contact you to set up the day and time they will begin the work which will usually take about 5 days. It will be your responsibility to make timely arrangements with the contractor/crew member to give them access to your home so they can complete the work. Normal working hours for the contractors/crew members are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. You will need to make your home accessible to them during these hours.

Who does the furnace work?

A qualified furnace contractor will perform the heating system work. The furnace contractor will contact you to set up the day and time work will begin. It will be your responsibility to make timely arrangements with the contractor to give them access to your home so they can complete the work. Normal working hours for the contractors are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. You will need to make your home accessible to them during these hours.

Is the weatherization work guaranteed?

The weatherization work done on your home is guaranteed for one year against defects in material and workmanship by the contractors. Please keep the name, address and phone number of the contractor that has completed your home's weatherization. If you have any questions or a problem with the weatherization work, please call the local agency that served you.

What do I need to do to get ready for the project?

When the contractor is ready to begin work, it would be helpful if you would move house plants and fragile items so they are not damaged during the construction process; expect some dust! The workers will need to get to the furnace, attic, and window areas. If you have items stored in the attic, they should be moved or covered.