With the current economic climate, it is very difficult to keep up with all the bills. The arrival of winter has brought us another obstacle: the bill we receive every time we turn on the heating. Although we try to be frugal, there comes a point when there are not enough sweaters to wear to withstand how cold the house is. However, the federal government has initiatives to help residents combat the low temperatures at this time of year.
Programs such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s weatherization assistance program and the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development help low-income residents reduce their energy costs while trying to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. An energy-efficient home improves everyone’s quality of life: household members live more comfortably, the house retains heat better, and the bill for keeping the whole house warm plummets.
Fighting the cold in Pennsylvania
If you live in Pennsylvania and your heater has seen better days, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) may be able to help. This program allocates funds to local weatherization agencies, which coordinate services for qualified applicants.
Applicants for this assistance may qualify for a free replacement of their home’s heating and cooling system, new insulation in ducts and pipes, new insulation in walls and floors, installation of more efficient lighting, carbon monoxide alarms, and other improvements. The WAP program can even replace windows and doors if you meet the requirements.
Requirements to be eligible for the WAP
In summary, there are only two simple requirements that Pennsylvania residents must meet in order to obtain WAP benefits:
- Be a permanent resident of the state of Pennsylvania,
- and have an income of 200% or less of the federal poverty guidelines according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In addition, households will automatically qualify for this program if any member of their household already receives:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI),
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF),
- or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
WAP gives priority to residents at highest risk, including seniors, people with disabilities, families with young children, and people who are heavy energy users. WAP services are free to all eligible applicants, but waiting lists can be long.
For more detailed information on eligibility, visit the WAP website dedicated to this program, or contact a local provider.
Once the application has been reviewed and approved, a provider will notify residents and schedule an initial home assessment to determine what services are needed to improve the home’s thermal insulation.
How to prepare our house for a new—or updated—heating system
Waiting times for assistance with home thermal improvements depend on several factors, but most local WAP providers usually give an estimated waiting time. This means no one is left hanging, wondering when they will receive help.
However, residents should keep in mind that they may need to fix other problems in their home before they can receive services. If your home has significant moisture, mold, asbestos, or inability to easily access all areas of the house because there is too much clutter, the WAP program will refuse to provide assistance until these problems are fixed.
If you think you have leaks, mold problems, or hazardous materials in your home, it is best to hire a technician and fix the root cause of the problem before moving on to the next step in the heating system.
FAQs
What is the WAP program?
It is a special federal and state initiative designed to help low-income residents reduce their energy bills.
What renovations can I get for free?
If you meet all the requirements, you could get a complete replacement of your heating system, installation of insulation in walls and pipes, windows, doors, efficient lighting, and carbon monoxide alarms.
What are the requirements to qualify?
You must reside in Pennsylvania and have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. You automatically qualify for the program if you or someone in your family receives SSI, TANF, or LIHEAP.