Weatherization Programs
Weatherization is adding insulation, sealing cracks, and making other changes that reduce heat loss, save you money on heating bills and make your home or apartment healthier. The federal government and Washington State offer weatherization programs, which Commerce runs, for qualified low-income households. For general information on what the Weatherization Program provides, please see the Client Education Guide (PDF)/Client Education Guide – Spanish (PDF).
Can I get my home weatherized?
Commerce doesn’t weatherize houses directly. We contract with local agencies in your city or county that weatherize qualified low-income homes and apartments.
Find your location on the map below and click on the closest blue locator to get information on your local weatherization provider.
To see if you qualify for weatherization assistance, call a local agency near you on the Weatherization Agency List.
How are these programs funded?
Commerce receives funding from Washington State and the following federal government programs to help pay for low-income weatherization work:
- Weatherization Assistance Program– U.S. Department of Energy
- Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (U.S. Health and Human Services)
Commerce can yearly request a waiver to transfer up to 25% of available LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program funds to the Weatherization Assistance Program. Approval of this waiver request in 2019 could increase available weatherization funding by $5,789,570 and increase the transfer of unspent LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program funds from 15% to 25%.
We have HHS approval for up to the full 25% transfer this year again. This brings all potential LIHEAP dollars to Washington State, providing an opportunity for agencies to enhance their programs and existing funding. The local LIHEAP Energy Assistance programs decide on the exact amount of the approved transfer for their area based on their funding needs.
Matchmaker Program
In Washington state, utility companies that sell gas and electric heat also provide matching funds for qualified low-income households. Their funds match the Washington state dollars through the Matchmaker Program.
Home Rehabilitation Loan Program
Good news for rural homeowners struggling to repair their homes! The Department of Commerce has launched a state-funded Low-Income Home Rehabilitation Loan Program!
For all the details go to our Home Rehabilitation Loan Program page.
Information for low-income households
Additional Program links
Weatherization Success Stories
Contact
Updates
Meeting Announcement – PY23 DOE Formula-Based Weatherization State Plan
The Washington State Department of Commerce will conduct a virtual public hearing to receive comments on the Draft 2023 United States Department of Energy/Washington State Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Plan. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. The hearing will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 9:00am – 10:00am Pacific Standard Time (PST). Join the May 2, 2023 Virtual Public Hearing (on Microsoft Teams) Please take a moment to review the
