Weatherization
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of the homes while ensuring the resident’s health and safety. It is the nation’s single largest residential whole-house energy efficiency program. The Weatherization Assistance Program has created an industry, producing new jobs and technologies, all while helping the most vulnerable families in America. The Program’s primary purpose, established by law, is "…to increase the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons, reduce their total residential energy expenditures, and improve their health and safety, especially low-income persons who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly, the disabled, and children.” Since the inception of the Program in 1976, more than 7 million households have received weatherization services nationwide. Learn more....
How Do You Apply?
All clients must fill out an application (available here). After complete applications and all required supporting documentation are received, they are placed in order by county through a point system. Points are awarded for handicapped, elderly, low-income, amount of months waiting, type and amount of fuel used, and size of the family. The applications with the most points get served first. If you are a renter, you will also need to complete these forms.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a waiting list for this program!! It usually takes several months before you hear back from our staff regarding your application. Weatherization is a lengthy process, which will not be completed overnight.
What Do You Need?
After the selection is made, an inspection of the home is done. The home is then checked for the following:
Before any weatherization work can begin, testing of the heating system must be done. The tests performed are to make sure the heating system is working in a safe and efficient manner. If problems are discovered during the tests, a furnace contractor will repair or in some cases replace the heating system.
After completion of all work, a final inspection of the home is made to verify all work has been completed and has been performed in a professional manner. The home is then reported to the State as complete.
It is estimated by the Department of Energy that a savings of 14% annually is realized after the weatherization of a home. Missouri, which imports 83% of it's fossil fuels, conserves more than 450,000 barrels of oil annually as a result of it's weatherization efforts.
GHCAA has weatherized over 5,000 homes in the nine county area.
The Weatherization program does not generally repair roofs, replace windows, repair or replace furnaces/central heat or air systems or perform other major home repairs.
How Do You Apply?
All clients must fill out an application (available here). After complete applications and all required supporting documentation are received, they are placed in order by county through a point system. Points are awarded for handicapped, elderly, low-income, amount of months waiting, type and amount of fuel used, and size of the family. The applications with the most points get served first. If you are a renter, you will also need to complete these forms.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a waiting list for this program!! It usually takes several months before you hear back from our staff regarding your application. Weatherization is a lengthy process, which will not be completed overnight.
What Do You Need?
- Client signed application - We MUST have an original signature, we cannot accept photocopies or scans
- Proof of income for the last 3 months - For all persons living in the house, over age 18, who earned ANY income
- Copy of utility bill (both fuel and electric if applicable) - Include copies from EACH utility company you’ve listed on the application
- Proof of ownership or landlord’s name, address, & phone number - Paid property tax receipts OR completed landlord/renter forms
- Copy of Social Security Card - Include a copy of the social security card for the Head of Household applicant.
After the selection is made, an inspection of the home is done. The home is then checked for the following:
- Insulation
- Doors & Windows
- Foundation Condition
- Height & Width of Walls & Attic
- Overall Condition of Structure
Before any weatherization work can begin, testing of the heating system must be done. The tests performed are to make sure the heating system is working in a safe and efficient manner. If problems are discovered during the tests, a furnace contractor will repair or in some cases replace the heating system.
After completion of all work, a final inspection of the home is made to verify all work has been completed and has been performed in a professional manner. The home is then reported to the State as complete.
It is estimated by the Department of Energy that a savings of 14% annually is realized after the weatherization of a home. Missouri, which imports 83% of it's fossil fuels, conserves more than 450,000 barrels of oil annually as a result of it's weatherization efforts.
GHCAA has weatherized over 5,000 homes in the nine county area.
The Weatherization program does not generally repair roofs, replace windows, repair or replace furnaces/central heat or air systems or perform other major home repairs.