Weatherization Program
- Assistance
- Free home energy audits and energy efficiency home improvements.
- Deadline
- None
- Time to apply
- 30-40 mins
- Processing time
- Varies
- Age range
- All Ages
- Apply
- Call or email to apply
Overview
Utilities are one of a household’s greatest expenses. For low-income families living in older homes, money could be leaking out of the cracks. The HomeWise Weatherization Program provides FREE energy efficiency improvements to qualified homes, increasing comfort and saving money. All weatherization work is contracted and managed by the HomeWise Program and is free of charge for eligible households.
Improvements could include:
- Energy audits
- Insulation
- Air sealing
- Furnace repair or replacement
Since 1980, the HomeWise program has helped thousands to decrease their energy bills and increase their comfort and safety. Services are provided through federal, state and local utility funding.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you:
- Are a homeowner or renter living within Seattle city limits.
- Eligibility will depend on income. The program has different income eligibility thresholds depending on the heat source (electricity, gas, or oil) and whether the housing is renter- or owner-occupied.
For more details see:
You may also be eligible if you:
- are an Income-eligible household, and
- are a Seattle City Light customer living outside Seattle city limits, and
- have an electric-heated home.
You are also eligible if you:
- Are a renter in a building where over half the tenants are income-qualified.
- In this case, work with your building owner to receive free weatherization for the building. Visit our Multifamily Weatherization page to learn more
Download Client Information (5-page PDF)
View complete program information and required documents to apply.
How to Apply
- Confirm that you are eligible for HomeWise services (refer to 2023 Income Limits - Weatherization and Home Repair Programs)
- Fill out and return an application. You will need:
- List of all residents in your home, including renters
- Government-issued identification
- Income documentation from all residents of your home
- Verification of address via utility bill, mortgage payment receipt, or lease agreement
- Type of heating system in the home
- HomeWise will review your application for eligibility and notify you in writing
- If you are eligible, you will receive a phone call to schedule a time for a comprehensive home energy audit conducted by a trained and certified HomeWise Property Rehabilitation Specialist
- HomeWise will identify potential energy saving and health and safety measures such as new insulation, bath and kitchen fans, furnaces, ductless heat pumps and air sealing
- HomeWise selects and manages a private contractor to perform the work
- All work is inspected and HomeWise pays the contractor
FAQs
HomeWise will contract with private contractors to install the following types of improvements based upon a comprehensive assessment of your home:
- Insulation
- Duct and air sealing
- Ductless Heat Pumps (electrically heated homes)
- Replace hot water heaters, upon our inspection, if they are failing, leaking, or rusted
- Furnace repair or replacement
- New kitchen and bathroom fans
- New energy efficient refrigerators
Interested contractors are invited to review the information included on the Contractors page to determine if working with the program would be a good match for your experience and business interests.
Due to variables in the type and quantity of work that is available, application and qualification with the HomeWise Program is no guarantee of bidding opportunities or awarded work being offered.
Stories
My friend had a lot of work done to her home and encouraged me to apply. Don't second guess. Just make a call or send an e-mail to the Office of Housing to find out if you are eligible. — Laura Wong WhiteBear, Community Advocate
They are going to get me some heat,...insulation...it’s sure going to be wonderful this winter and summer when it’s hot. I’m just so thankful for everything that they’re going to do. — Mama Blue, Seahawks Super Fan
Read more about Laura Wong Whitebear’s or Mama Blue’s weatherization experience.
Contact
Apply by Phone:
(206) 684-0244
General Email:
Inquiries about Income Limits: