New York Weatherization Assistance Program
Free Home Energy Upgrades for NYC Residents
If you’re a New York City resident struggling with high heating and cooling bills, the New York State Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) can help you reduce energy costs at no charge. This federally funded program has helped over 744,000 New York households since 1977, with families saving an average of $372 annually on energy bills.
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What Is the Weatherization Assistance Program?
The Weatherization Assistance Program is the nation’s largest residential energy conservation initiative, administered in New York by the State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). The program provides comprehensive home energy improvements to income-eligible households across all five boroughs of New York City.
WAP addresses the reality that many NYC homes were built when energy was relatively inexpensive. These older buildings are significantly more costly to heat and cool than modern, energy-efficient homes. Through weatherization, your home becomes more comfortable while reducing energy consumption by an average of 20% or more.
Who Qualifies for Free Weatherization in NYC?
You may be eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program if you meet one of these criteria:
Income-Based Eligibility
Your household income is at or below 60% of the New York State Median Income
- 1 person: $31,200 annually
- 2 people: $35,640 annually
- 3 people: $40,080 annually
- 4 people: $44,520 annually
- 5 people: $48,120 annually
- 6 people: $51,660 annually
- 7 people: $55,200 annually
- 8 people: $58,800 annually
Automatic Qualification
If anyone in your household receives any of these benefits, you automatically qualify:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance (Public Assistance)
- Medicaid
Priority Groups
The program prioritizes households with:
- Senior citizens (age 60 and older)
- Families with young children
- People with disabilities
- High energy burden (spending more than 6% of income on energy)
Both homeowners and renters can apply. Renters will need landlord consent for weatherization work.
Take the First Step Today
If you're struggling with high energy bills or your home is difficult to heat or cool, weatherization can make a significant difference. The program is designed specifically to help NYC families like yours.
What Home Improvements Are Included?
After a professional energy audit of your home, you may receive the following improvements at no cost:
Air Sealing and Insulation
- Weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors
- Attic and wall insulation installation
- Sealing of air leaks and gaps
- Reduces heating and cooling loss by 30-50%
Heating System Upgrades
- Repair or replacement of inefficient furnaces and boilers
- Installation of ENERGY STAR certified heating equipment
- Heating system tune-ups and safety improvements
- In some cases, heat pump installations for electric-ready homes
Ventilation and Air Quality
- Installation of mechanical ventilation systems (meeting ASHRAE 62.2 standards)
- Indoor air quality improvements
- Prevention of mold and moisture problems
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detector installation
Appliance and Lighting Upgrades
- Replacement of old, inefficient refrigerators with ENERGY STAR models
- Water heater insulation and pipe wrapping
- LED lighting installation
- Programmable or smart thermostats
Health and Safety Improvements
- Lead paint hazard mitigation (following EPA regulations)
- Asbestos abatement when necessary
- Electrical safety repairs
- Minor structural repairs needed for weatherization effectiveness
The average investment per home ranges from $6,000 to $8,000, all provided at no cost to eligible households.
Start Saving Today
Ready to reduce your energy bills, upgrade your home, and claim thousands in rebates? We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process — from audit to incentive — and help you secure every dollar you deserve.
How Much Can You Save
Based on data from weatherized New York homes, families typically experience:
Annual Savings
- Average energy bill reduction: $372 per year
- Some households save 20-30% or more on heating and cooling costs
- Savings continue year after year, compounding over time
Current NYC Energy Costs (2024-2025)
- Average NYC electricity rate: 27.2 cents per kilowatt-hour (54% above the national average)
- Average natural gas rate: $1.87 per therm (23% above the national average)
- Winter heating bills: $172-$224 per month on average for gas heating
- NYC residents spend significantly more on energy than most Americans
With weatherization, these high costs can be reduced substantially. For a family spending $200 monthly on heating and cooling, a 20% reduction translates to $480 in annual savings.
NYC's Energy Challenge: Why Weatherization Matters
New York City residents face unique energy challenges:
Higher Energy Costs
NYC has some of the highest energy rates in the nation. Electricity costs are 54% higher than the national average, while natural gas prices are 23% above average. This means NYC families pay more for basic comfort than residents in most other cities.
Aging Housing Stock
Many NYC buildings were constructed before modern energy codes existed. These older homes lose heat through gaps, cracks, and poor insulation, forcing heating systems to work harder and driving up costs.
Extreme Weather
NYC experiences both harsh winters and increasingly hot summers. The city has seen summer cooling costs rise by more than 50% in the last decade due to climate change and more frequent heat waves.
Energy Burden
Over 1.1 million NYC households struggle to pay utility bills. Many low-income families spend 10-15% or more of their income on energy—far above the 6% affordability target set by New York State.
Weatherization directly addresses these challenges by making homes more energy-efficient, reducing the amount of heating and cooling needed, and lowering monthly bills.
How the Application Process Works
Applying for weatherization is straightforward and confidential. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Contact Your Local Provider NYC is served by several approved weatherization providers. You can apply through:
- Association for Energy Affordability (AEA) – Serving Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens: (718) 292-6733
- HANAC, Inc. – Serving Queens: (718) 204-3074
- Northfield Community LDC – Serving Staten Island
- BronxWorks/Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corp. – Serving the Bronx
Step 2: Submit Your Application You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters)
- Proof of residency (utility bill or lease agreement)
- Identification for all household members
- Landlord consent form (if you rent)
Step 3: Scheduling and Energy Audit When funding becomes available, the provider will contact you to schedule a comprehensive home energy audit. A certified energy auditor will:
- Inspect your home’s heating system, insulation, and air leaks
- Use specialized equipment (blower door tests, infrared cameras)
- Interview you about comfort issues and health concerns
- Determine which improvements will provide the greatest benefit
Step 4: Weatherization Work Based on the audit results, certified contractors will:
- Complete all approved improvements
- Use only materials meeting federal and state standards
- Work typically takes 1-3 days depending on the scope
- Minimize disruption to your daily routine
Step 5: Final Inspection After work is completed, an inspector verifies:
- All improvements meet quality standards
- Safety measures are in place
- Work effectiveness through testing
- Your satisfaction with the completed project
The entire process from application to completion typically takes several months, depending on the number of applications in your area and available funding.
Start Saving Today
Ready to reduce your energy bills, upgrade your home, and claim thousands in rebates? We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process — from audit to incentive — and help you secure every dollar you deserve.
Additional Benefits and Programs
Weatherization households may also qualify for:
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
- Helps pay heating and cooling bills
- Emergency assistance available
- Heating equipment repair or replacement
- Regular benefits: $21-$996 per season
- Cooling assistance: $10-$1,000
- Winter crisis benefits: up to $900
EmPower+ New York
- Additional energy efficiency upgrades
- No-cost home energy assessments
- Free energy-saving improvements
- Available to households at 60% of state median income
Utility Assistance Programs
- Con Edison’s Energy Affordability Program
- National Grid’s HEAP-eligible customer bill credits
- Payment assistance and arrearage forgiveness
- Many utilities offer 10-25% bill reductions for eligible customers
Public Solar NYC
- Community solar program for low-income housing
- No upfront costs
- 20% energy savings guaranteed
- Sliding scale grants for roof repairs
Weatherization providers can help you access these additional programs during your application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really no cost to me?
All weatherization services are provided completely free to eligible households. Homeowners pay nothing. Rental property owners must contribute 25% of construction costs, but tenants pay nothing and landlords receive 75% of the value at no cost.
Can renters apply?
Yes. Both homeowners and renters can receive weatherization. Renters need written permission from their landlord, and the weatherization provider can help facilitate this conversation.
What if my home was weatherized years ago?
Homes weatherized before September 30, 1994, are eligible for weatherization again. Newer weatherized homes may also qualify if significant new needs have developed (like a failed heating system).
How long do I have to wait?
Wait times vary by provider and available funding. Some areas have waiting lists of several months. Priority is given to seniors, families with children, people with disabilities, and households with the highest energy burden.
Will this disrupt my home for a long time?
Most weatherization work is completed in 1-3 days. The energy audit takes 2-4 hours. Contractors work efficiently to minimize disruption, and you can remain in your home during the work.
What about multifamily buildings?
Buildings with 5 or more units have separate weatherization funding. Building owners can apply if at least 66% of tenants are low-income. The program covers 75% of costs, with owners contributing 25%.
Does weatherization affect my rent?
Weatherization is designed to help tenants, not increase rent. The improvements make units more comfortable and reduce utility costs. NYC has rent stabilization laws that protect tenants from arbitrary rent increases.