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If weatherization isn’t available to you right now, or the waiting list is long, there are other ways to get help with home energy costs. Each has its own rules and is run by a different agency.
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Help paying heating and cooling bills: LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is a separate federal program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. HHS says it offers federally funded help to lower the cost of home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and minor energy-related home repairs. Each state sets its own income limits and application periods.
To learn where to apply, HHS directs people to energyhelp.us, offered in English and Spanish, and to the National Energy Assistance Referral line at 1-866-674-6327. HHS also cautions that LIHEAP never charges a fee to receive a benefit, so any message asking you to pay one is a warning sign.
Programs from your utility and your state
Many electric and gas companies offer their own home energy programs for customers, and some states run programs that complement weatherization. What’s offered depends entirely on where you live. The easiest way to find out is to call the customer service number printed on your utility bill and ask what home energy help is available, then ask your state weatherization office the same thing.
Simple ways to seal drafts yourself
Some of the work the weatherization crews do on a bigger scale can be started in a small way at home. Caulking and weatherstripping are inexpensive jobs that many people do themselves, and the Energy Saver section of energy.gov offers a guide for each.
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Seal drafts in 5 checks
Small jobs that make a room more comfortable
1. Window frames — look for gaps where the frame meets the wall and seal them with caulk.
2. Doors and windows that open — add weatherstripping where they close against the frame.
3. Bottom of exterior doors — a door sweep closes the gap you can see light through.
4. Attic hatch — check that it closes tight and is covered, like the rest of the attic.
5. Leave gas appliances to pros — sealing changes airflow; combustion safety needs a professional check.
General tips. For bigger jobs, the weatherization energy audit is the right tool.
Common questions about weatherization
Can a mobile home be weatherized?
Yes. Under the federal definition, a dwelling includes stationary mobile homes, apartments and single rooms, and both owners and renters may apply.
Can my home be weatherized a second time?
Not soon after. Federal law allows a home to be weatherized again once 15 years have passed since the earlier work, and in limited cases such as fire, flood or disaster damage that insurance doesn’t cover. Ask your local provider about your situation.
Can the program replace my furnace?
It can clean, tune, repair or replace heating and cooling systems when the energy audit shows that doing so makes sense. This isn’t guaranteed for every home.
I am over 60. Do I go first?
Federal rules name people age 60 and older as one of the priority groups, along with people with disabilities, families with children, and households with high energy use or a high energy burden. Each local provider manages the order of its list.
Is this site connected to the government?
No. This is an independent informational website, and it does not accept applications.
Protect yourself
Genuine programs take applications through your state, your local agency or your utility. Don’t pay anyone to put you on a list, and don’t give your bank details or Social Security number to anyone who contacted you first. When in doubt, find the agency’s phone number yourself on an official .gov website.
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This page is informational and is not affiliated with HHS, the U.S. Department of Energy, any utility or any state or local agency. Sources: acf.gov (LIHEAP), energy.gov and 10 CFR Part 440. Rules, limits and availability are set by each program and can change.