New York Weatherization Assistance Program
Save on Energy Bills, Enhance Comfort, and Improve Safety with No-Cost Weatherization Services
The New York Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a transformative initiative designed to make homes across the state more energy-efficient, affordable, and safe for low-income households. As a cornerstone of New York’s commitment to energy conservation and environmental sustainability, WAP has helped over 744,000 households since 1977, saving families an average of $372 annually on energy bills.
If you’re a New York resident struggling with high heating and cooling bills, the New York Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) could be the solution you’ve been looking for. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about this valuable program—from understanding what it offers to successfully applying and receiving free home energy upgrades.
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What is the New York Weatherization Assistance Program?
The New York Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is the nation’s largest residential energy conservation program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), WAP provides free energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households, reducing energy consumption, lowering utility bills, and improving home safety. WAP aligns with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2050.
Key Objectives of WAP
WAP targets households that struggle with high energy costs, particularly those spending a disproportionate share of their income on heating and cooling.
- Reduce Energy Costs: Save households $300–$500 annually by improving energy efficiency.
- Enhance Home Safety: Mitigate hazards like carbon monoxide leaks, mold, and electrical issues.
- Improve Comfort: Eliminate drafts and stabilize indoor temperatures for year-round livability.
- Support Environmental Goals: Contribute to New York’s clean energy transition by reducing fossil fuel reliance.
WAP is delivered through a network of NYSERDA-affiliated providers, who ensure high-quality, no-cost services. Their role is to streamline your access to WAP, from application to completion, ensuring you benefit from this federally funded program.
How Does the Weatherization Assistance Program Work?
WAP follows a structured, data-driven process to deliver energy efficiency upgrades, ensuring maximum savings and safety. Below, we outline the key steps, which are standardized across New York by DOE and HCR guidelines. Energy auditors facilitate each step, providing expert support to eligible households.
Estimated 2025 Income Guidelines To Apply for WAP
WAP is designed for low-income households, defined as those earning 60% or less of the State Median Income (SMI) or receiving benefits like HEAP, SNAP, or SSI. Both homeowners and renters qualify, provided landlords consent to weatherization. The application process is straightforward and confidential.
2025 Income Guidelines (Estimated)
Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
1 Person | $31,200 |
2 People | $40,800 |
3 People | $50,400 |
4 People | $59,640 |
5 People | $68,880 |
Application Requirements
We follow a structured, client-focused approach from start to finish.
We guide you through the application, offering assistance with documentation and landlord coordination for renters. Our secure online portal makes submitting information easy and safe.
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements).
- Recent utility bills (electricity, gas, or oil).
- Identification (driver’s license, passport).
- Property details (homeowner or renter status, building type).
Energy Audit
Once approved, We provide a free energy audit to assess your home’s energy performance and safety. We use advanced tools to identify inefficiencies and hazards.
The audit generates a Scope of Work (SOW) report, prioritized by the Savings-to-Investment Ratio (SIR) using DOE’s Weatherization Assistant software. This ensures cost-effective measures that deliver maximum energy savings. Auditors ensure accuracy and compliance with DOE protocols.
Weatherization Upgrades
Based on the audit, We implement energy-savings and safety measures, all at no cost to you. These upgrades adhere to DOE’s Standard Work Specifications (SWS) and include
Insulation
Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass in attics (R-49), walls (R-12), and crawlspaces, reducing heat loss by up to 40%.
Air Sealing
Caulk, foam sealants, and weatherstripping applied to windows, doors, and penetrations, reducing ACH50 by 30–50%.
Heating & Cooling Systems
Repair or replacement of inefficient furnaces or boilers with ENERGY STAR®-certified units.
Ventilation
Whole-house systems installed to meet ASHRAE 62.2 standards (0.35 air changes per hour) for indoor air quality.
Quality Assurance
A post-installation inspection verifies the effectiveness of upgrades
Blower Door Test
Combustion Safety
Insulation Verification
Client Education
Call us today or fill out our form for a free home energy assessment and insulation quote.
Who is Eligible for it?
WAP is designed to serve low-income households, making energy efficiency accessible to those who need it most. You may qualify if:
- Your household income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income (e.g., $59,640 for a family of four in 2025).
- You receive HEAP, SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance.
- You own or rent a home (single-family, mobile, or 1–4 unit buildings; multifamily buildings may qualify under separate funding).
- Your home has not been weatherized under WAP since 1994.
Housing Type Eligibility
The program serves a wide range of housing types, making it accessible to most New Yorkers. Eligible housing includes:
Single-Family Homes
Whether you own your home or rent it, single-family houses qualify for the program. The home can be a traditional house, manufactured home, or mobile home.
Multi-Family Buildings
Buildings with two to four units are eligible under standard program rules. Both homeowners and landlords can apply for these properties.
Larger Multi-Family Properties
Buildings with five or more units may qualify under specific conditions. Generally, at least 66% of the units must be occupied by income-eligible households.
Rental Properties
Renters can absolutely benefit from the program. However, the landlord must provide consent and may be required to contribute a percentage of the weatherization costs, typically 15-25% for rental buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The WAP application is the process of applying for the New York Weatherization Assistance Program, a federally funded initiative that provides free energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households. The application involves submitting information to verify eligibility, such as household income, utility bills, and property details.
The New York Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) covers a range of no-cost energy efficiency and safety upgrades, tailored to your home’s needs based on a comprehensive energy audit. Covered measures include:
- Insulation
- Air Sealing
- Heating and Cooling Systems
- Ventilation
- Health and Safety
- Lighting and Appliances
To apply for WAP, follow these steps:
- Complete the Application
- Provide Documents
- Landlord Consent (if renting)
- Schedule an Audit
You may qualify for WAP if:
- Your household income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income (e.g., $59,640 for a family of four in 2025, subject to annual updates by HCR).
- You receive benefits such as Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance.
- You own or rent a home, including single-family homes, mobile homes, or 1–4 unit buildings. Multifamily buildings (5+ units) may qualify under separate funding.
- Your home has not been weatherized under WAP since September 30, 1994, unless significant new needs arise (e.g., a failed heating system).
Yes, landlords of single-family units can benefit from WAP, though the program primarily serves tenants or homeowners.
The New York Weatherization Assistance Program aims to reduce energy costs, improve home safety, and enhance comfort for low-income households while supporting environmental goals. By providing free energy efficiency upgrades, WAP:
- Saves households an average of $372 annually on utility bills (20–30% energy reduction).
- Addresses safety hazards like carbon monoxide leaks and electrical issues.
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 0.8–1.2 metric tons of CO2 per home annually, aligning with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goals of 40% emissions reduction by 2030 and 85% by 2050.
- Supports underserved communities, promoting energy equity.
The WAP process typically takes 6–12 weeks, depending on:
- Application Review: 1–2 weeks to verify eligibility.
- Energy Audit: Scheduled within 2–4 weeks of approval.
- Installation: 1–4 weeks, based on the scope of upgrades.
- Final Inspection: 1–2 weeks to confirm quality and savings.
WAP addresses health and safety hazards before energy upgrades, at no cost to eligible households. Common issues include:
- Carbon Monoxide: Installation of CO detectors and repair of faulty heating systems (CO levels < 35 ppm, per ANSI Z21.1).
- Mold, Asbestos, or Lead Paint: Mitigation per EPA and OSHA guidelines, including EPA’s RRP rule for lead.
- Electrical Hazards: Correction of wiring issues to meet safety codes.