The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers free home energy efficiency upgrades to low-income families to reduce utility bills and improve indoor health and safety. Federally funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the program is administered locally through states, territories, and community action agencies. On average, participating families save more than $372 annually on energy costs.
Income limit: Household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Automatic approval: You generally qualify automatically if a household member receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Priority groups: Agencies prioritize older adults (age 60 and older), people with disabilities, families with children, and households with high energy consumption.
Property type: Services are available to owners and renters of single-family homes, multifamily buildings, or manufactured/mobile homes. Renters require written permission from the property owner.
Services are fully customized based on a home energy audit performed at no cost by a professional technician. Depending on the audit results, upgrades may include:
Insulation: Installation of thermal barriers in attics, walls, and floors.
Air sealing: Weatherstripping doors, applying caulk, and sealing drafty windows and ducts.
HVAC services: Repair, tune-up, or replacement of inefficient heating and cooling systems.
Safety measures: Carbon monoxide detection, ventilation system repair, and installation of energy-efficient lighting.
Find your local agency: The program is administered locally. You can locate a provider in your area through the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) directory or by contacting a local Community Action Agency. For Atlanta residents specifically, applications are processed through Fulton County or the Fulton-Atlanta Community Action Authority (FACAA).
Submit documentation: Prepare proof of income (such as pay stubs or benefit award letters), utility bills, and proof of homeownership or landlord authorization.
Schedule the audit: Once the application is approved, the agency will send an energy auditor to determine the specific improvements your home needs.
If you wish to combine programs to further reduce your costs, consider these options:
LIHEAP: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps directly pay for seasonal heating and cooling bills.
Utility company programs: Local utility companies often run independent initiatives, such as Georgia Power’s EASE program, which offers free energy efficiency upgrades to households with incomes up to a higher limit (300% of federal poverty thresholds).
Local rehabilitation grants: Depending on the municipality, local housing grants (such as the Fulton County Housing Rehabilitation Program) can sometimes help fund major structural repairs that the WAP program does not cover.