Section
Breadcrumbs
Weatherization/Energy Conservation
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides energy conservation measures to reduce the utility bills of low-income Hoosiers across the state. The program offers clients a permanent solution to reducing their energy bills by making their homes more energy-efficient. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) allocates funds to IHCDA for distribution to our network of Community Action Agencies to perform weatherization work.
Click here to view a brochure about the program.
- What is the process for weatherizing my home?
If you are interested in receiving benefits through this program, you must first contact your local Community Action Agency to enroll. Eligibility for this program is based on household income. Once enrolled, you will be placed on a wait list. Because the demand for these services routinely exceeds the amount of funding available, you may be on a wait list for a period of 2-24 months.
Once your home comes up on the wait list, you will be contacted, and a state-trained energy auditor will be sent to your home to perform a comprehensive energy audit. The results of the audit are unique to each client's home and determine which energy efficiency upgrades will maximize energy savings for the client.
Upon completion of the audit, state-trained contractors will install the energy efficiency upgrades prescribed by the auditor. A final audit will be conducted at the completion of the installation work to ensure the energy efficiency measures installed are operating in such a way to maximize energy savings.
- How much money will I have to contribute?
Because the work completed on a client's home is funded through the federal government, all audits and energy efficiency upgrades are installed at no cost to the client. After the final audit has been approved by the client, the client will then be responsible for maintenance of the home and all measures installed.
- Why should I weatherize my home?
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), families receiving weatherization services see their annual energy bills reduced by an average of about $437, depending on fuel prices. Because the energy improvements that make up weatherization services are long lived, the savings add up over time to substantial benefits for weatherization clients and their communities, and the nation as a whole. Indiana's weatherization program saves an average of 20-30% on annual home heating costs. Savings will vary by home, and will depend factors such as the size, type, and age of a home.
- What are the requirements to participate in the Weatherization Assistance Program?
- How do I apply?
All interested weatherization applicants need to contact their local Community Action Agency to find out if they are eligible for services. To find out which agency serves your county click here.
Every client who is eligible for services receives a comprehensive energy audit from state-trained auditors. The results of the audit are unique to each client's home and determine which energy efficient upgrades will maximize energy savings for the client. Upon completion of the audit, state-trained construction teams will install the energy efficiency upgrades prescribed by the auditor. A final audit will be conducted at the completion of installation work to ensure the energy efficiency measures installed are operating in such a way to maximize energy savings. Because the work completed on a client's home is funded through the federal government, all audits and energy efficiency upgrades are installed at no cost to the client.
All interested applicants need to contact their local Community Action Agency to find out if they are eligible for services.
If you are viewing this page on a desktop browser, click your county on the interactive map to your right to find the agency that serves your county.
If you are viewing this page on a mobile device, select your county from the drop-down menu at the top of this page to find the agency that serves your county.Further questions? Contact IHCDA WAP Program staff at: iwx@ihcda.in.gov
- How can I report a problem with Home Energy Conservation Program?
First, you should contact the Community Action Agency that you applied for the Weatherization Assistance Program through. Please note that it may take days before they are able to contact you back.
If you have not heard back or it is an emergency, click here to contact our Constituent Liaison at (317-232-7777).
- How can I lower my energy costs without weatherization?
For more about reducing your energy costs, visit the following utility websites:
- Citizens Energy Group - http://www.citizensgas.com/ESavings.aspx
- You may also sign up for a free energy efficiency kit at http://www.citizensgas.com/EKit.aspx
- Indianapolis Power and Light - https://www.iplpower.com/Residential/Home_Energy_Savings/Power_Tools/Home_Energy_Assessment/
- Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) - http://www.nipsco.com/en/save-energy/residential.aspx
- Indiana Michigan Power (also known as AEP) - https://www.indianamichiganpower.com/save/Default.aspx
- What if I have been denied participation in the Weatherization Assistance Program?
If you have received a letter indicating that your home has either been deferred or denied you must first appeal to the Executive Director of the agency issuing the he determination. The letter will have the appropriate contact information for this person on it. In your appeal you must identify why you feel the decision was made incorrectly. If incorrect or incomplete information was provided to the auditor during the initial visit, or if conditions have changed since that visit please provide those specifics.
If the denial is upheld by the Community Action Agency, you may submit a written appeal to:
IHCDA
Community Programs Manager, Weatherization
30 S. Meridian St., Suite 1000
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Email: iwx@ihcda.in.govPlease note: Your appeal will not be considered until you have received an appeal decision from the Executive Director of the Community Action Agency which conducted the audit.