The Weatherization Assistance Program (Weatherization) is a low-income energy efficiency program administered by the Department of Energy (DOE).
It helps make the homes for low-income constituents more energy efficient, which can help lower household energy bills.
Purpose & Benefits
The program also improves the health and safety of low-income homes. The energy efficiency and health and safety work is done using the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available in the housing industry. States administer the program following DOE rules and regulations.
Besides the obvious benefit of conserving energy, the Iowa Weatherization Assistance Program 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:
- solves certain health and safety problems in the client's homes
- maintains affordable housing for low-income persons
- reduces utility averages
- reduces environmental pollution
Apply for This and Other Programs
Visit your local community action outreach office to apply for this and other programs.
Individuals may apply for the program at the local Community Action Agency in their county. To locate your local outreach office click here.
If you are unable to find your county on the Community Action Agencies Intake List, please call Community Action Agencies Unit at 515-281-3861.
How does the program work?
The Weatherization Assistance Program 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, thereby reducing the households’ energy bills.
The program also improves the health and safety of low-income homes. Weatherization has grown from a program in the 1970s that used volunteers to install low-cost, temporary measures, to a program using trained workers to install permanent, cost-effective measures that address both the energy efficiency and health and safety of the dwelling.
Energy Efficiency Practices
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.
How to Apply
Individuals may apply for the program year-round at the local Community Action Agency in their county. You can call customer service at 515-281-3861 for more information or, to find answers to your questions, visit our FAQs webpage.