Committed to lowering energy bills and increasing energy efficiency to eligible households in Washington. Are you looking for ways to lower your energy bill? Maybe you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint? Whatever your motivation, we’re here to help. The Department of Commerce allocates federal and state funds to local agencies who specialize in insulation, air sealing, ventilation, and more to ensure your home stays cozy in the winter and cool in the summer.
To learn more about weatherization, please see the Client Education Guide (PDF)/Client Education Guide – Spanish (PDF).
“The new high efficiency natural gas furnace, full insulation, and heat in the bathroom made a huge difference in my comfort level throughout last winter. My heating bill is a fraction of what it used to be.”
– Mary, weatherization recipient, Clark County
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 local weatherization provider
To see if you qualify for weatherization assistance, call a local agency near you on the Weatherization Agency List (PDF) or using our Local Weatherization Agency map.
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.
Resources
Where can I find information on the national Weatherization Assistance Program?
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) maintains a WAPTAC – Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center on the website of the National Association for State and Community Services Programs. (NASCSP). WAPTAC is a library of rules, regulations, policies and procedures, presentation materials, and news articles. It includes Weatherization Policy Notices (WPN)s from Department of Energy.
What is the Washington State General Weatherization Workplan?
The Washington State General Weatherization Work Plan is a planning document required to be completed each year by each Weatherization Local Agency in Washington State.
The Weatherization Manual contains policies and procedures, specifications and standards, and supporting documents.
The 2018 Weatherization Manual Editions apply to the period from July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019. Updated Versions during that period are dated by their effective start date. The manual edition and version to follow are determined by when the project was audited. For example: A project audited on June 30, 2018, follows the 2017 Weatherization Manual; a project audited on July 1, 2018, follows the 2018 Wx Manual – July 1 Version; a project audited on November 10, 2018, follows the 2018 Wx Manual – Nov 1 Version.
- 2023 Weatherization Manual (Updated August 2023)(PDF)
- 2022 Weatherization Manual (Updated 7-1-22)(PDF)
- 2022 WA Multifamily Weatherization Field Guide (Updated 7-1-2022)(PDF)
- 2021 Weatherization Manual (Updated 10-1-21)(Word)
- 2020 Weatherization Manual (Updated 1-1-21)(Word)
- 2019 Single-Family Weatherization Field Guide (Updated 6-25-19)(PDF)
- 2019 Multi-Family Weatherization Field Guide (6-25-19)(PDF)
2024 Washington State Weatherization Workplan (for DOE)
The Washington State Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Plan is required yearly by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center
- National Association for State Community Service Programs (NASCSP)
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- Washington State Community Action Partnerships
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
- OSHA Training FAQ (PDF)
- 2018 LIHEAP Waiver (PDF)
Weatherization Success Stories
- SNAP (Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners) (PDF)
- Community Action Council – Lewis, Mason, Thurston Counties (PDF)
- Yakima Farm Workers Clinic (PDF)
- City of Seattle – HomeWise Program (PDF)
- Opportunity Council (PDF)
- Clark County Community Development (Word)
- Olympic Community Action Program (Word)