Weatherization
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.
Improvements could include:
- Energy audits
- Insulation
- Air sealing
- Furnace repair or replacement
Contact us to learn more or download the application (right).
If you are a renter in a building where over half the tenants are income-qualified, you can work with your building owner to receive free weatherization. Visit our Multifamily Weatherization page to learn more.
Since 1980, the HomeWise program has offered weatherization services to income eligible households, helping thousands to decrease their energy bills and increase their comfort and safety. Services are provided through federal, state and local utility funding. All weatherization work is contracted and managed by the HomeWise Program and is FREE of charge for eligible households.
- See if you are eligible for HomeWise services (see Income Limits below)
- Fill out and return an application
- 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
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
The Office of Housing's weatherization program has different income eligibility thresholds depending on the heat source (i.e. electricity, gas, or oil) and whether the housing is renter- or owner-occupied. In certain cases the weatherization program's geographic service area can extend beyond Seattle city limits. Income-eligible households with homes located within Seattle city limits can apply for assistance regardless of the way the home is heated. Income-eligible households who live outside of Seattle city limits but are both a Seattle City Light customer and have an electric-heated home can also apply for assistance.
Income Limits for Weatherization Program
For more information please contact Theresa.Cortez@seattle.gov.