How does the Weatherization Program Work?
Weatherization Mission
To reduce energy costs for low-income families, particularly the elderly, the disabled and families with children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring health and safety. The ultimate goal is to keep our clients warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and safe all year long, all at a reduced cost to them. All single family, site built homes and mobile homes are eligible.
Weatherization Purpose
Weatherization is a Department of Energy (DOE) program, federally funded through ADECA, created in 1976 to retrofit low-income family homes to increase their energy efficiency, thereby reducing the household’s utility bills. It also enhances their comfort and mitigates any health and safety hazards to the household, such as carbon monoxide issues. The work is performed using the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available to the housing industry today. It is important to note that this program does NOT perform rehabilitation or remodeling work.
On average, Weatherization saves the household $283 in the first year alone, with these savings continually accruing for many years to come. Household utility usage is decreased on average by 35%. This savings directly leads to more disposable income for the household so other necessities, such as food and medication, may be more easily afforded. Learn more about the Federal Weatherization program here.
Eligibility Criteria
Alabama residents with an annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible for the program. DOE estimates that over 38 million households nationwide are eligible for the program. Otherwise qualifying applicants who rent are also eligible with the participation of the property owner/landlord; the property owner will be asked to pay a portion of the costs for the services provided to the home and will also be required to not increase the rent price for one (1) year from the date of the final inspection.
Services Provided
The Alabama Weatherization Program follows a priority list when weatherizing homes. Typically, a home receives the following items:
Priority # | Measure | Priority # | Measure |
1 | Air Seal Home and Ducts | 5 | Install Floor Insulation |
2 | Install Attic Insulation | 6 | Install Programmable Thermostats |
3 | Install Wall Insulation | 7 | Install Water Heater Tank Insulation |
4 | Install Duct Insulation |
CARPDC’s Progress
As of July 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) State Plan for the Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income households has allowed for major program expansion – the state of Alabama approved a budget of $47 million for Weatherization programs across the state to be used before July 1, 2027. This funding availability has been divided into 3 rounds:
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- Ramp-Up Round: 15% of funds will be available beginning in December of 2022, to assist in staffing and training investments needed to match the program’s growth.
- Middle Round: 35% of funds will be made available after the previous funding round has been completed.
- Final Round: 50% of funds will be available to be utilized before July 1, 2027.
CARPDC’s Weatherization program has two service contracts for the upcoming 5 year period: for residents of Montgomery County, the state has attributed $2.3 million in funding; for residents of the other 8 counties in the service area, the state has attributed $3.3 million in funding. This will allow Weatherization to assist 600+ homes by July of 2027 (about 150+ homes per year, after the Ramp-Up round has been completed). CARPDC’s Weatherization Section has already begun moving on this opportunity, and has anticipated staffing needs to speed up production on current contracts and begin BIL Weatherization production before the initial Ramp-Up round has ended.
How to Apply
Weatherization’s toll-free number is 1-866-780-4945 or one may call locally at (334)-262-4300. An application with step-by-step directions will be mailed to the homeowner. Additionally an application can be printed or downloaded here. Homeowners submit the completed application with all necessary paperwork and eligibility is determined. It’s that easy!
To read more about this process, please see our page: Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).