Replacing the windows on your home is about more than just aesthetics. Sure, new windows look nice, but they also play an essential part in the overall security and efficiency of your home. It doesn’t take more than a quick search online to truly understand how much value new windows can bring to your home.
Replacing windows isn’t cheap. The cost of installing just one window starts at an average of $375 and can soar as high as $800.1 Count up the windows in your home and you’ll no doubt get the picture. Thankfully, the Federal Government has stepped up to help homeowners in need. Today, we’ll show you how to get $1000s towards new windows.
Aleksey Kurguzov/ShutterstockWhy You Should Replace Your Windows
You may hate the way they look but the windows on your home might not need to be replaced. Replacing older, drafty windows is usually for the best. Damaged windows should always be replaced, while some homeowners may choose to replace their windows in order to minimize their exposure to street noise.
Replacing old windows increases the energy efficiency of your home substantially, which will be reflected in your electricity bill. Homes in locations that experience extreme heat in the summertime or extreme cold in the winter must have windows with adequate insulation. New windows can also increase your property value and deter burglars.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Federal Government knows how important home renovations can be to the economy and the public. Home renovation projects create local jobs, and essential upgrades keep people safe and more energy efficient. The problem is, large-scale home renovation projects can be costly. Which is why they hand out so much money to help fund the projects of qualifying homeowners.
The Weatherization Assistance Program is the U.S. Department of Energy’s answer to soaring energy costs and aging homes. The program is used all over the country to help improve the energy efficiency of American homes.2 Though the program has been around since 1976, it recently received $3.1-billion in funding thanks to a recently ratified Infrastructure Law.
Who is eligible?
Though this is a federally regulated program, much of the process is done at a state level. As such, eligibility requirements can vary depending on the state in which you live. There are trends though.
Income is a major eligibility factor. The Department of Energy guidelines restrict eligibility to only those households that sit at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines. Households that receive Supplemental Security3
Income may qualify too. Generally, priority is given to the elderly, families with children, families with one or more members with a disability, and high-energy users.
What can it be used for?
The Weatherization Assistance Program was created to provide low-income households with free weatherization services. Those free services can include anything from window replacement to home appliance upgrades, all aimed at improving the home’s heating, cooling, and electrical systems.
How do you apply?
As mentioned above, this federally regulated program is handled regionally. Each state has its own application process, which can range from online submission forms to person-to-person meetings. You can by visiting the WAP landing page on the Department of Energy website and following the prompts. Be prepared to provide proof of your income for the previous year.
How does WAP work?
The Weatherization Assistance Program takes a holistic approach to weatherization to ensure long term safety and efficiency. The program uses energy audits to highlight problem areas, approve projects, and maximize efficiency. As an example, they aren’t going to fund new weatherstripping if your windows aren’t up snuff. Instead, they’ll likely replace your windows outright.
The process involves local professionals completing energy audits and recommending renovation projects and appliance upgrades with energy efficiency in mind. If your home is approved, the Weatherization Assistance Program will cover the entire cost of the approved project, whatever that cost may be.
Start Saving Today!
Improve the energy efficiency of your home with a government-funded window renovation project. Millions of Americans are eligible for these substantial home improvement grants, but only the ones that apply will be considered.
The savings don’t stop when the construction crew leaves either. Weatherizing your home with a window replacement can save you hundreds of dollars per year on your energy bill. Reducing your carbon footprint is better for all of us too. So apply for federal support through the Weatherization Assistance Program and start saving on home improvement upgrades today.