The Weatherization Assistance Program is the nation’s largest residential energy efficiency program. Trained inspectors and crews with state-of-the-art equipment aim to reduce the cost of energy for low-income families.
Mission and Goal
The mission of the Kentucky Weatherization Assistance Program is to improve energy efficiency, household safety, and to educate the public about maintaining energy efficiency. The program's focus is on low-income families and children, the elderly and the disabled.
The goal of the Weatherization Program is to keep Kentuckians warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and safe all year long.
Weatherization Facts
- Low-income households spend nearly 14 percent of their total annual income on energy. Other households spend only an average of 3.5 percent of their annual income on energy. Low-income families often cut back on other necessities to pay their energy bills. Over 5.5 million households have received Weatherization services since the inception of the program in 1976, but nearly 28 million households are currently eligible for services. (Source: http://www.waptac.org/)
- More than 90 percent of low-income households have annual incomes less than $15,000.
- Two-thirds have annual incomes under $8,000.
- The average annual energy expenditure for low-income households is $1,102.
- 49 percent of low-income households are occupied by persons with disabilities or elderly residents. (Source: D.O.E. Southeast Region)
The Effect of Energy Efficiency on Customers
- Reduces energy costs $300 per year (average)
- Safer and more comfortable homes
- Self-sufficiency
What the Weatherization Program Does and Does Not Do
It does:
- Educate clients in safety and energy efficiency.
- Professionally evaluate single-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings, and mobile homes for safety and energy efficiency.
- Repair or replace furnaces, as needed.
- Insulate homes, as needed.
- Make minor repairs to homes for health and safety reasons (windows, doors, ceilings, roofs, ventilation, etc.)
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
It does not:
- Rehabilitate homes.
- Just replace doors.
- Just replace windows.
- Make major home repairs, such as new roofs, new floors, plumbing, or electric work.
- Build additions.
- Paint, except in areas disturbed by Weatherization work.
- Lay carpet.
- Perform lead-based paint and asbestos abatements.
Minor repairs are secondary measures and are not done unless regular weatherization work is needed. The Weatherization Program is not a rehabilitation program. It is an energy conservation program with an emphasis on the health and safety of the client.
Trained Evaluators and Home Inspections
In Kentucky, trained evaluators and staff:
- Educate customers in safety and energy efficiency.
- Evaluate single-family and multifamily dwellings, as well as mobile homes for safety and energy efficiency.
- Use the latest technology to determine cost effective methods to make customers' homes safer and energy efficient.
Home inspections include the following:
- Testing for gas leaks, carbon monoxide, and other health and safety issues.
- Checking combustible appliances such as stoves, furnaces, and water heaters.
- Tuning, repairing, or replacing heating equipment (furnaces and water-heaters).
- Sealing air infiltration units, installing insulation, adding ventilation, and repairing or replacing chimneys.
- Installing fire and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Bringing homes up to federal, state, and local codes.
Who is eligible?
Households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, that have not received weatherization assistance on or after September 30, 1993, are eligible for weatherization services.
Families with children, the elderly, and the disabled are the focus of the Weatherization Program.
What You Need To Apply
- Social Security Numbers for all home occupants.
- Monthly income verification for all occupants.
- Energy bills or print out from utility company.
- Proof of ownership of property to be weatherized and landlord agreement.
Draft Amended Weatherization State Plans
Weatherization Training Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Weatherization Legal Guide 